The personal experience of dissociation at work

The clinical phenomenon of dissociation is defined in DSM-IV (1994) as "a disruption in the usually integrated functions of consciousness, memory, identity, or perception of the environment" (p. 477). Four additional forms of dissociation are everyday (focusing on one thing while neglecting everything else), creative (letting go of aspects of ordinary reality to see in a new light), cultural or normative dissociation (disconnections from reality that are enforced by culture), and exceptional human experiences (altered states of higher consciousness). This study explores management and psychology literature as well as gathers personal experiences to situate the nascent concept of workplace dissociation. Limited to the question, "What is the personal experience of dissociation at work?", this research will provide an initial description for future research.; Based on qualitative research tradition and phenomenology, in-depth interviews were conducted with six female and six male senior managers representing eight different industries. Participants self-identified as dissatisfied with their work situations and not bringing their whole selves or "best selves" to work. Data were analyzed and reported by themes followed by the meaning, significance, and implications of the findings.; The study found that workplace dissociation is the union of two major historical trends---concepts involving psychological dissociation and management concepts involving burnout and disengagement. Data also suggest a spiritual disconnection involving the purpose and meaning of work. The working definition that emerged is: the subjective experience of being (a) disconnected from the flow of one's conscious awareness of self, others, and the environment; (b) separated from one's skills and behaviors by which one creates value through work; (c) fragmented in one's essential identity and not fully present or available; (d) unable to fulfill one's deeply held meaning of work and purpose for one's work efforts; and/or (e) unaware of the consequences of this experience on self and significant others.; Further research is needed to confirm and expand the description. These findings have potential impact for the fields of psychology and employee assistance, management and organizational development, and consciousness studies.