Michael Walton | Thammasat University (original) (raw)

Papers by Michael Walton

Research paper thumbnail of Taking the temperature of your Workplace

The Global Analyst, 2024

The article focuses on the internal emotionality of the workplace. The extent to which it is an e... more The article focuses on the internal emotionality of the workplace. The extent to which it is an engaging and pleasant environment in which to work or perhaps one where incivility is the norm, where power-plays represent the key patterns of behaviour and win-lose dynamics prevail.

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Research paper thumbnail of Surviving Toxicity in the Workplace: Fight, Flight, Flee, Freeze or Fraternise?

The Global Analyst, 2024

High-profile leadership failures continue to be regularly reported across the globe. Employee sur... more High-profile leadership failures continue to be regularly reported across the globe. Employee surveys continue to record increasing trust in organisational leadership. Two primary causes are (i) organisational cultures which tolerate promote or sustain unacceptable leadership behaviour and (ii) the appointment of leaders whose character and competence renders them and suitable for such positions of trust and authority but who, nevertheless, have been appointed to leadership positions. The article explores employee reactions to such untenable, anxiety provoking and disabling conditions.

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Research paper thumbnail of Auto-Pilot Leadership: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

The Global Analyst, 2024

This article highlights how certain aspects of leadership decision-making behaviour are so ingrai... more This article highlights how certain aspects of leadership decision-making behaviour are so ingrained that they are similar to a person working on autopilot.

It is suggested that value can come from illuminating such deeply ingrained patterns of behaviour to assess whether they are still of value or need to be discarded. Five such autopilot decision-making tendencies are outlined together with 20 'leadership guidelines' each worthy of attention and consideration.

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Research paper thumbnail of Key Signposts on the Road towards Dysfunction: Be Aware and Take Care!

The Global Analyst, 2024

'Behavioral Excesses', if overplayed, can increase the likelihood of a leader's ultimate failure.... more 'Behavioral Excesses', if overplayed, can increase the likelihood of a leader's ultimate failure. Six such excesses or signposts are described which, if disregarded, will likely lead leaders towards their failure. The purpose of the article is to highlight some of the underlying 'root' causes which are likely to generate counterproductive executive behavior.

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Research paper thumbnail of Five Perspectives to Enhance Self-Understanding

The IUP Journal of Soft Skills, 2024

The paper emphasizes the importance of self-understanding, which focuses on a person's internal, ... more The paper emphasizes the importance of self-understanding, which focuses on a person's internal, inherent and intuitive drives and preoccupations, in contrast to self-awareness, which is more concerned with a person's external behavior. Five perspectives are introduced which can be bolted together to insights on how and why they may make the decisions they do and exhibit the behavior they show to the external world.

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Research paper thumbnail of 'Hail to the Chief': Beware Executive Excess

The Effective Executive, 2024

For facets of executive leadership each of which, in excess, has the potential to derail an execu... more For facets of executive leadership each of which, in excess, has the potential to derail an executive career and damage the integrity and success of their organisation are outlined.

Executives should be alert to the possibility that their organisational power, their access to elitist privileges et cetera render them vulnerable to becoming captivated by egoistic and self oriented preoccupations. The article suggests that far more attention should be given to the selection, appointment, and post appointment monitoring of executive behaviour.

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Research paper thumbnail of Internal Leadership and 'Mood Management': A Business Dynamic of Significance

The Global Analyst, 2024

The purpose of this article is simply to draw attention to a neglected and over-looked aspect of ... more The purpose of this article is simply to draw attention to a neglected and over-looked aspect of leadership, namely organizational 'Mood Management'. This is a key factor in shaping and determining morale, employee motivation, task satisfaction, executive decision-making and organizational functionality. Workplace 'mood' and 'tone' matters a great deal as it can release creativity and foster well-being.

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Research paper thumbnail of 'Hail to the Chief': Avoiding a Self-Induced Leadership Scam

The Global Analyst, 2024

Continuing pressures on executives to deliver ambitious results in a highly competitive and geopo... more Continuing pressures on executives to deliver ambitious results in a highly competitive and geopolitically and certain external market can easily need someone to behave in ways which are counter-productive to their own well-being and that of their organisation.

This article considers an unusual and highly personalised type of scam emanating from a leader's personal behaviour and his or her lack of awareness of their counter-productive impact.

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Research paper thumbnail of Critical Thinking and its Vulnerabilities

Effective Executive, 2022

This paper suggests that 'critical thinking' is a more perplexing notion that it may appear to be... more This paper suggests that 'critical thinking' is a more perplexing notion that it may appear to be and highlights of the significance of (i) organisational bias and (ii) the mindsets of key executives in shaping precisely how critical thinking will come to be defined and construed

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Research paper thumbnail of Workplace Incivility: Destructive Consequences

The Global Analyst, 2024

The article highlights the importance of building and sustaining civil and mutually polite workpl... more The article highlights the importance of building and sustaining civil and mutually polite workplace relationships even during disagreements, periods of high tension and underlying personal rivalry. The material outlined drawers on personal experiences as well as on associated research data.

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Research paper thumbnail of The 'Executive Jumper' and Career Immorality

The Global Analyst

An 'executive jumper' is an executive whose career progression is characterised by occupying posi... more An 'executive jumper' is an executive whose career progression is characterised by occupying positions for the shortest possible time before moving to an evermore senior appointment. Such executives pose a problem for organisations because of their short-term focus and over emphasis on career progression over organisational performance.

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Research paper thumbnail of Thinking about your Organisation: Four key Workplace perspectives

The Global Analyst, 2024

The article introduces four 'categorisations' each of which can be used to simplify the complex d... more The article introduces four 'categorisations' each of which can be used to simplify the complex dynamics underpinning executive and organisational behaviour.

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Research paper thumbnail of What Does it Take a successful Executive? - Behavioural Dynamics

The Effective Executive, 2023

The article focuses on some of the more hidden and obscure aspects of an executive's workplace be... more The article focuses on some of the more hidden and obscure aspects of an executive's workplace behaviour. Behaviours which can profoundly affect their success. Eight 'reasons to be careful' – are outlined - each of which can facilitate executive success and guard against executive failure and career disappointment.

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Research paper thumbnail of Protecting the organisation – and under emphasised HRM responsibility

HRM Review, 2023

This article highlights a key yet really emphasised responsibility of HRM to protect their organi... more This article highlights a key yet really emphasised responsibility of HRM to protect their organisations from malevolent intrusions, sabotage and corporate espionage. Such matters remain a persistent danger for organisations and thus should be carefully guarded against. A number of defence strategies and countermeasures are briefly outlined for consideration.

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Research paper thumbnail of Beware Corporate Espionage, Sabotage and Sopying

The Global Analyst, 2023

This article considers how and why some employees may choose to work in ways which are clandestin... more This article considers how and why some employees may choose to work in ways which are clandestine, self-serving, manipulative and damaging to the interests of their employer. The focus is on corporate espionage, sabotage and spying and how such activities may be identified or curtailed.

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Research paper thumbnail of Organisational Culture: How change initiatives can so easily fail

The Global Analyst, 2023

Successful organisational change works best when an organisation's culture, its strategic objecti... more Successful organisational change works best when an organisation's culture, its strategic objectives and its internal characteristics are mutually compatible and aligned.

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Research paper thumbnail of Moving up the Career Ladder: Leadership Progressions and Career Transitions

The Global Analyst, 2023

The article looks at some of the core leadership transitions and progressions which will confront... more The article looks at some of the core leadership transitions and progressions which will confront an executive as they seek to climb the career ladder. Whilst determination and personal ambition may underpin an executive progression these need to be tempered with prudence and an acute sense of reality if they are to succeed.

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Research paper thumbnail of Five Key Derailment Factors - underlying executive success or failure

The Global Analyst, 2023

The human, reputational, financial and operational costs associated with executive failures are c... more The human, reputational, financial and operational costs associated with executive failures are considerable and the rate of executive failure within two or so years of appointment continues to be reported as being, at the very least, over 50%. Five key derailment floors are highlighted which it is suggested are at the heart of many of those who fail following their appointment to an executive position. Employee survey data persistently highlights poor relations with the bus as the primary reason for turnover and the generation of workplace stress. Some of the dangers for those viewed as being an 'Exceptional Executive' are also highlighted.

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Research paper thumbnail of India 2039: An Affluent Society in One Generation

India 2039: An Affluent Society in One Generation, 2010

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Research paper thumbnail of Executive Decision-Making: three Key Perspectives

The Global Executive, 2023

The article considers three psychological processes each of which exerts an influence on an execu... more The article considers three psychological processes each of which exerts an influence on an executive thinking and perceptions.

It links together the notion of selective perception, wilful blindness and groupthink dynamics and highlights how, unless objectively acknowledged, these can skew, manipulate and corrupt the core information on which executive decisions are being reached.

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Research paper thumbnail of Taking the temperature of your Workplace

The Global Analyst, 2024

The article focuses on the internal emotionality of the workplace. The extent to which it is an e... more The article focuses on the internal emotionality of the workplace. The extent to which it is an engaging and pleasant environment in which to work or perhaps one where incivility is the norm, where power-plays represent the key patterns of behaviour and win-lose dynamics prevail.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of Surviving Toxicity in the Workplace: Fight, Flight, Flee, Freeze or Fraternise?

The Global Analyst, 2024

High-profile leadership failures continue to be regularly reported across the globe. Employee sur... more High-profile leadership failures continue to be regularly reported across the globe. Employee surveys continue to record increasing trust in organisational leadership. Two primary causes are (i) organisational cultures which tolerate promote or sustain unacceptable leadership behaviour and (ii) the appointment of leaders whose character and competence renders them and suitable for such positions of trust and authority but who, nevertheless, have been appointed to leadership positions. The article explores employee reactions to such untenable, anxiety provoking and disabling conditions.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of Auto-Pilot Leadership: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

The Global Analyst, 2024

This article highlights how certain aspects of leadership decision-making behaviour are so ingrai... more This article highlights how certain aspects of leadership decision-making behaviour are so ingrained that they are similar to a person working on autopilot.

It is suggested that value can come from illuminating such deeply ingrained patterns of behaviour to assess whether they are still of value or need to be discarded. Five such autopilot decision-making tendencies are outlined together with 20 'leadership guidelines' each worthy of attention and consideration.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of Key Signposts on the Road towards Dysfunction: Be Aware and Take Care!

The Global Analyst, 2024

'Behavioral Excesses', if overplayed, can increase the likelihood of a leader's ultimate failure.... more 'Behavioral Excesses', if overplayed, can increase the likelihood of a leader's ultimate failure. Six such excesses or signposts are described which, if disregarded, will likely lead leaders towards their failure. The purpose of the article is to highlight some of the underlying 'root' causes which are likely to generate counterproductive executive behavior.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of Five Perspectives to Enhance Self-Understanding

The IUP Journal of Soft Skills, 2024

The paper emphasizes the importance of self-understanding, which focuses on a person's internal, ... more The paper emphasizes the importance of self-understanding, which focuses on a person's internal, inherent and intuitive drives and preoccupations, in contrast to self-awareness, which is more concerned with a person's external behavior. Five perspectives are introduced which can be bolted together to insights on how and why they may make the decisions they do and exhibit the behavior they show to the external world.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of 'Hail to the Chief': Beware Executive Excess

The Effective Executive, 2024

For facets of executive leadership each of which, in excess, has the potential to derail an execu... more For facets of executive leadership each of which, in excess, has the potential to derail an executive career and damage the integrity and success of their organisation are outlined.

Executives should be alert to the possibility that their organisational power, their access to elitist privileges et cetera render them vulnerable to becoming captivated by egoistic and self oriented preoccupations. The article suggests that far more attention should be given to the selection, appointment, and post appointment monitoring of executive behaviour.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of Internal Leadership and 'Mood Management': A Business Dynamic of Significance

The Global Analyst, 2024

The purpose of this article is simply to draw attention to a neglected and over-looked aspect of ... more The purpose of this article is simply to draw attention to a neglected and over-looked aspect of leadership, namely organizational 'Mood Management'. This is a key factor in shaping and determining morale, employee motivation, task satisfaction, executive decision-making and organizational functionality. Workplace 'mood' and 'tone' matters a great deal as it can release creativity and foster well-being.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of 'Hail to the Chief': Avoiding a Self-Induced Leadership Scam

The Global Analyst, 2024

Continuing pressures on executives to deliver ambitious results in a highly competitive and geopo... more Continuing pressures on executives to deliver ambitious results in a highly competitive and geopolitically and certain external market can easily need someone to behave in ways which are counter-productive to their own well-being and that of their organisation.

This article considers an unusual and highly personalised type of scam emanating from a leader's personal behaviour and his or her lack of awareness of their counter-productive impact.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of Critical Thinking and its Vulnerabilities

Effective Executive, 2022

This paper suggests that 'critical thinking' is a more perplexing notion that it may appear to be... more This paper suggests that 'critical thinking' is a more perplexing notion that it may appear to be and highlights of the significance of (i) organisational bias and (ii) the mindsets of key executives in shaping precisely how critical thinking will come to be defined and construed

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of Workplace Incivility: Destructive Consequences

The Global Analyst, 2024

The article highlights the importance of building and sustaining civil and mutually polite workpl... more The article highlights the importance of building and sustaining civil and mutually polite workplace relationships even during disagreements, periods of high tension and underlying personal rivalry. The material outlined drawers on personal experiences as well as on associated research data.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of The 'Executive Jumper' and Career Immorality

The Global Analyst

An 'executive jumper' is an executive whose career progression is characterised by occupying posi... more An 'executive jumper' is an executive whose career progression is characterised by occupying positions for the shortest possible time before moving to an evermore senior appointment. Such executives pose a problem for organisations because of their short-term focus and over emphasis on career progression over organisational performance.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of Thinking about your Organisation: Four key Workplace perspectives

The Global Analyst, 2024

The article introduces four 'categorisations' each of which can be used to simplify the complex d... more The article introduces four 'categorisations' each of which can be used to simplify the complex dynamics underpinning executive and organisational behaviour.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of What Does it Take a successful Executive? - Behavioural Dynamics

The Effective Executive, 2023

The article focuses on some of the more hidden and obscure aspects of an executive's workplace be... more The article focuses on some of the more hidden and obscure aspects of an executive's workplace behaviour. Behaviours which can profoundly affect their success. Eight 'reasons to be careful' – are outlined - each of which can facilitate executive success and guard against executive failure and career disappointment.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of Protecting the organisation – and under emphasised HRM responsibility

HRM Review, 2023

This article highlights a key yet really emphasised responsibility of HRM to protect their organi... more This article highlights a key yet really emphasised responsibility of HRM to protect their organisations from malevolent intrusions, sabotage and corporate espionage. Such matters remain a persistent danger for organisations and thus should be carefully guarded against. A number of defence strategies and countermeasures are briefly outlined for consideration.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of Beware Corporate Espionage, Sabotage and Sopying

The Global Analyst, 2023

This article considers how and why some employees may choose to work in ways which are clandestin... more This article considers how and why some employees may choose to work in ways which are clandestine, self-serving, manipulative and damaging to the interests of their employer. The focus is on corporate espionage, sabotage and spying and how such activities may be identified or curtailed.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of Organisational Culture: How change initiatives can so easily fail

The Global Analyst, 2023

Successful organisational change works best when an organisation's culture, its strategic objecti... more Successful organisational change works best when an organisation's culture, its strategic objectives and its internal characteristics are mutually compatible and aligned.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of Moving up the Career Ladder: Leadership Progressions and Career Transitions

The Global Analyst, 2023

The article looks at some of the core leadership transitions and progressions which will confront... more The article looks at some of the core leadership transitions and progressions which will confront an executive as they seek to climb the career ladder. Whilst determination and personal ambition may underpin an executive progression these need to be tempered with prudence and an acute sense of reality if they are to succeed.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of Five Key Derailment Factors - underlying executive success or failure

The Global Analyst, 2023

The human, reputational, financial and operational costs associated with executive failures are c... more The human, reputational, financial and operational costs associated with executive failures are considerable and the rate of executive failure within two or so years of appointment continues to be reported as being, at the very least, over 50%. Five key derailment floors are highlighted which it is suggested are at the heart of many of those who fail following their appointment to an executive position. Employee survey data persistently highlights poor relations with the bus as the primary reason for turnover and the generation of workplace stress. Some of the dangers for those viewed as being an 'Exceptional Executive' are also highlighted.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of India 2039: An Affluent Society in One Generation

India 2039: An Affluent Society in One Generation, 2010

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of Executive Decision-Making: three Key Perspectives

The Global Executive, 2023

The article considers three psychological processes each of which exerts an influence on an execu... more The article considers three psychological processes each of which exerts an influence on an executive thinking and perceptions.

It links together the notion of selective perception, wilful blindness and groupthink dynamics and highlights how, unless objectively acknowledged, these can skew, manipulate and corrupt the core information on which executive decisions are being reached.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of Debating bad leadership: reasons and remedies

Action Leading: Research and Practice, 2021

Book Review - 29 contributing authors; 435 pages £99.99

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Research paper thumbnail of Book Review - Office politics and anti-social behaviour at work

Industrial and Commercial Training Journal, 2014

Review of the following books: Corporate Psychopaths: Organisational Destroyers - Clive Boddy Pa... more Review of the following books:

Corporate Psychopaths: Organisational Destroyers - Clive Boddy
Palgrave Macmillan, London

Confessions of a Sociopath - M. E. Thomas
Sidgewick & Jackson London

Office Politics - Oliver James
Vermillon, London

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Research paper thumbnail of Book review - Narcissism in the Workplace: Research, Opinion and Practice - Andrew DuBrin Edward Elgar, Cheltenham, UK

Counselling at Work, BACP Journal, 2012

Author - Andrew J DuBrin, published by Edward Elgar, Cheltenham, UK

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