Imago relationship therapy was originally applied to couples counselling by Dr Hendrix (1992, 1993). This model was applied to a group of senior managers from the Lonmin Platinum Mine to create an understanding of intrapersonal and interpersonal dynamics to reduce the conflict levels they experienced in the workplace. Imago theory is applicable to the workplace because of the influence of intrapersonal processes on interpersonal dynamics, which is the same influence that causes conflict in romantic relationships. Love relationships consist of three stages, namely romantic love, the power struggle stage, and the real love stage. In the organisational context, these stages are the initial excitement phase, the power struggle stage, and the conscious relating stage. The study aimed to obtain quantitative and qualitative data on the effects of the Imago theory programme presented to the group of managers. The study thus aimed to determine whether the managers experienced a shift in their consciousness after the programme had been presented. Furthermore, the study aimed to determine whether such a shift in consciousness would have an effect on the individuals’ overall emotional wellbeing and if it would increase their overall life satisfaction. Furthermore, the study investigates if the programme had a positive effect on their interpersonal relationships (particularly with their subordinates). Twenty-two senior managers and 22 subordinates participated in the study. Certain pre-tests were conducted, followed by the seven-module intervention. The same post-tests were conducted after the training had taken place. Quantitative and qualitative results were obtained. The quantitative results showed that the participants’ problem solving abilities improved and that they experienced marginally higher levels of life satisfaction. The reactivity levels experienced by the participants during conflict situations decreased, and their levels of marital satisfaction improved. The results also showed that the managers responded more positively to their subordinates after the intervention. Furthermore, the subordinates experienced their managers as being more flexible after the intervention. The qualitative results indicated that a shift in consciousness did take place as envisaged. The group understood both intrapersonal and interpersonal psychodynamics. They also willingly applied Imago concepts to improve their functioning in the organisational context. / Psychology / D. Litt. et Phil. (Psychology)

This paper explores the Swedish extradition of Balts who fought for the Axis powers in the Baltic eastern front during World War II. While previous research has focused on the fate of the detained, this study examines the political crisis that ensued from the extradition process. By employing a perspective of sovereignty, the study investigates the power struggle between the government, the Swedish press, and the parliament.   The theoretical framework of domestic sovereignty is utilised to analyse the power dynamics involved in the extradition. Drawing upon classical political thinkers, this study defines domestic sovereignty as the exclusive concentration of power within a central authority, without power-sharing among various entities. This concept differs from Westphalian sovereignty, where a central authority is independent from other sovereign states within its territory.   Through the lens of domestic sovereignty, this paper addresses two key questions. Firstly, it demonstrates that the prolonged and intensified extradition process resulted from the government's diminished ability to uphold domestic sovereignty. The press exerted influence over both the government and parliament, thereby creating a shared power structure. Secondly, the investigation suggests that the government proceeded with the extradition when it successfully reclaimed domestic sovereignty and reasserted itself as the sole authority.   To enhance the analysis, a critical discourse analysis is employed. This approach identifies the press as an influential agent capable of shaping public opinion and constituting discourse, rather than merely reflecting it. In this case, the press is recognised as a powerful actor engaged in a struggle for influence. The analysis incorporates text materials from four sources: newspaper articles covering the extradition, An interpellation in the Swedish parliament, documents from the foreign affairs committee of the parliament and government, and the diaries and notes of Swedish foreign minister Östen Undén.   Furthermore, the study investigates the parallels between domestic sovereignty and Westphalian sovereignty. As the government faced pressure from the Soviet Union, its Westphalian sovereignty was challenged, leading to it reclaiming its domestic sovereignty. This finding highlights the interconnectedness between these two forms of sovereignty in the context of the Swedish extradition of Balts during World War II.