Twenty-first International Conference on Knowledge, Culture, and Change in Organizations

Abstract

Aesthetic determinism and changing metaphors - questioning the nucleus of evaluation and its relation to aesthetic judgement – component of globalization. If value judgement or ethical decision-making is normative, that is to say based on how things should or ought to be, how to value them, which things are good or bad, which actions are right or wrong then it is essential to formulate a value judgement that is inclusive and tolerant. That provides socially relevant applicable results and less sensitive to dissimilarities. Hence, it is well documented a pure historical position has a predisposition of not only exclusion but also strengthens dissimilarities instead of uplifting similarities. From a somaesthetic understanding of the body as formable and a place of “sensory aesthetic appreciation”. African drumming and dancing (ADD) improves self-consciousness, reflexivity, and heightens attentiveness. Dance and rhythm are composed of multiple steps in time and space. Learning each dance step separately focuses attention on specific body parts like the spinal column. This increases self-consciousness and by extension improves the quality of life. Body, mind, and culture constitute the basis of both conscious/unconscious, actions/reactions. Therefore, to maximize human potential requires increased consciousness of body and feeling. The basic empirical material is interviews with practitioners of ADD in Sweden. The study found ADD-exercises engage physically, mentally, and emotionally. Experiences like the feeling of strong commitment or responsiveness cultivated through these drills are transferable to other areas of daily life such as to improve relationship with family and friends, coworkers, and other social contexts.