The Corporate Stockholm Syndrome

Stockholm Syndrome is a condition in which hostages develop a psychological alliance with their captors during captivity. Emotional bonds may be formed between captors and captives, during intimate time together, but these are generally considered irrational in light of the danger or risk endured by the victims.

The genesis of this was related to a 1973 bank robbery in in Sweden, where the hostages refused to testify against their captors, because they believed the captors were their benefactors.

On a different note, some professionals I speak with, keep criticizing their companies, but do nothing about it. There are multiple occasions where they are exploited, threatened and thrown a few crumbs occasionally, to keep their interest alive. They remain contented as corporate slaves of exploitation.

These companies lack culture, people sensitivity, and are not organization or people builders. They are in it for the here and now, maximize profits at any cost and do not care about the long term career of their employees. Except for a chosen few blue eyed ones, carefully selected basis their being yes men and historical contributions. Ethics and integrity do not matter. All the rest are use and throw resources.

Many of their employees believe that they are getting a salary and the organization is providing them an identity. These are very important and undeniable facts, no doubt. In the long run however, they become slaves of the system and actually begin to believe that this is the best possible situation for them as people and as professionals. They, with the passage of time, become like landless serfs (with all respect due to these labourers who deserve the utmost compassion) and become unemployable elsewhere. Then the vice-like grip of the organization increases, and the ruthlessness intensifies. They continue to believe that they are in an awesome situation!

This is similar to the Stockholm Syndrome.

When such employees leave this kind of organizations, by choice or otherwise, they realize what all they had been missing: self-respect, family time, confidence, team-working, the power of a positive, vibrant and happy culture and genuine interest in their welfare and personal/ professional growth.

Yes, there is an initial struggle. The struggle to find an opportunity. The struggle to settle down. The struggle to establish oneself. But then, post that, life becomes beautiful. For the long haul.

For those who are unhappy, please see how best and how soon you can change your situation. Please light a candle instead of blaming the darkness. And those who are contented with money and a designation, please see if you are a happy person. If not, redeem your soul. The sooner, the better.

Do share your thoughts…would be interesting to hear multiple perspectives on this. Oh yes, have an awesome week!

(c) Sugato Palit 2020