A3 Refereed book chapter or chapter in a compilation book
Building Positive Interaction Through Workplace Dialogue
Authors: Nummi, Eeva
Editors: Satu Uusiautti, Sanna Wenström
Publication year: 2026
Book title : Positive Leadership : Research-based Insights of the Future of Leadership
First page : 245
Last page: 265
ISBN: 978-3-032-02368-1
eISBN: 978-3-032-02369-8
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-02369-8_12
Publication's open availability at the time of reporting: No Open Access
Publication channel's open availability : No Open Access publication channel
Web address : https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-032-02369-8_12
This chapter discusses the ways in which dialogue can promote positive interaction in the workplace. It is based on two years of collaborative action research during which dialogue was introduced into a public social and healthcare organization in Finland. In dialogue people’s different experiences intertwine to create a new understanding of the world, of work and the organization, and of oneself and others. Genuine workplace dialogue allows sharing of holistic experiences in a safe and accepting atmosphere, which enables integration of the mind and strengthens the connections between people. Ongoing dialogue integrates the continuum of experience and maintains an authentic emotional climate in which individuals, the group and the organization can flourish. The critical role of a leader is to create and maintain opportunities for dialogue, and to facilitate and participate in workplace dialogue. This study contributes to the understanding of dialogue as a positive practice and leadership strategy.