Skip to Main Content
5
Views
0
CrossRef citations
Altmetric
Pages 215-219
Published online: 28 Dec 2017
 
Translator disclaimer

The article presents a diagram, the Chain of Ego States. It shows all three ego states of managers and subordinates in an organization chart. The diagram points out that organizations have three chains of command: a Parent chain, an Adult chain, and a Child chain. In order to be successful, employees must adapt and flex to messages flowing on all three chains of command. Chain of Ego States messages are derived from the life scripts of managers who have been or are in command of particular organizations. These messages constitute the script of the organization.

Managers who originate or perpetuate Parent and Child script messages must change if the organizational script is to change. The author presents three ways to effect such change. He also suggests ways managers and employees who understand and use TA can use the Chain of Ego States diagram to increase personal autonomy.

Additional information

Author information

Richard John Stapletoni

Richard Stapleton, DBA, is Professor of Management, Georgia Southern College, Statesboro, Georgia; and a Special Fields Member of ITAA; and is Director of Richard Stapleton and Associates, a management and education consulting firm. He has written a book, Managing Creatively: Action Learning in Action (Washington D.C.: University Press of America, 1976), and several articles in journals such as Personnel, Supervisory Management, and the Atlanta Economic Review.