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Self-realization is defined as the drive to become what one is capable of at his or her fullest potential, often-aligned in management parlance with self-fulfillment. The self-realized person is characterized as having a high level of self-knowledge, an integrated personality that allows for self-expression, an acceptance and tolerance of human nature, and a greater awareness of the human condition. The actualization of personal moral ideals affects participation in socially useful and ethically acceptable work.

'''Self-realization''' is defined as the drive to become what one is capable of at his or her fullest potential, often-aligned in management parlance with self-fulfillment. The self-realized person is characterized as having a high level of self-[[knowledge]], an integrated [[personality]] that allows for self-expression, an acceptance and tolerance of human nature, and a greater awareness of the [[human condition]]. The actualization of personal moral [[ideals]] affects participation in socially useful and ethically acceptable work.

To fully understand the essence of self-realization, the corollary concepts of self-actualization and individuation and the interrelated concept of self-disclosure are included. Self-realization, with its focus on human potential and what it means to be human, derives from humanistic psychology.

To fully understand the [[essence]] of self-realization, the corollary [[concept]]s of self-actualization and individuation and the interrelated concept of self-disclosure are included. Self-realization, with its [[focus]] on human potential and what it means to be [[human]], derives from humanistic [[psychology]].

==Historical Underpinnings==

==Historical Underpinnings==

A variety of philosophers, theologians, and literary figures contributed to insights into what it means to be fully human, the cornerstone to humanistic psychology. The texts date back to antiquity, yet continue to shape understanding and influence the teaching and practice of business ethics today.

A variety of philosophers, theologians, and literary figures contributed to [[insight]]s into what it means to be fully human, the cornerstone to humanistic psychology. The [[text]]s date back to antiquity, yet continue to shape understanding and influence the teaching and practice of business ethics today.

Prehistory includes the role of the Greek epic, most notably the work of Homer, who created the image of the individual as hero and of life as quest or an adventure. Socrates articulated the practice of dialogue, dialectical conversations that sought deeper truths through examination of daily life. Socratic discourse was both ethical and personal with its focus on achieving character and virtue through knowledge. Plato focused on the values of true and good as ends in themselves. Justice was the paramount virtue or the sum virtue with regard to one's relations with others. Aristotle's theory of virtue helped define the excellent man as one who excelled in leading a truly human life by adhering to intellectual and moral virtues. The notion of goodness, with its end state of fulfillment or excellence, was found within the context of society. Virtue was regarded as individually and socially beneficial. These philosophers underscored that living a morally good life involved justice, virtue, and character.

Prehistory includes the role of the Greek epic, most notably the work of [[Homer]], who created the image of the [[individual]] as hero and of life as quest or an adventure. [[Socrates]] articulated the practice of [[dialogue]], dialectical conversations that sought deeper [[truth]]s through examination of daily life. Socratic [[discourse]] was both ethical and personal with its focus on achieving [[character]] and [[virtue]] through [[knowledge]]. Plato focused on the [[value]]s of true and good as ends in themselves. [[Justice]] was the paramount virtue or the sum virtue with regard to one's relations with others. Aristotle's theory of virtue helped define the excellent man as one who excelled in leading a truly human life by adhering to [[intellectual]] and moral virtues. The notion of [[goodness]], with its end state of fulfillment or excellence, was found within the context of [[society]]. Virtue was regarded as individually and socially beneficial. These philosophers underscored that living a morally good life involved [[justice]], [[virtue]], and [[character]].

The 19th century marked the emergence of existentialist philosophy. Kierkegaard emphasized a humanistic vision of truth where self-consciousness propelled the individual to reach his or her highest potential. Nietzsche focused on awakening, and creating through transformation, an image of a new individual or superman who would create authentic values. Existentialists maintained that individuals had an ethical obligation to self-understanding as part of a purposeful existence. The quest to be fully human was to push the individual to farther reaches with values at the core. The 20th century marked an inclusion of the individual's role as meaningfully understood based on his or her involvement in society. Most notably, Heidegger described the fullness of humanity as the result of being in the world. Buber's philosophy of dialogue and the relationship between I and thou defined self-development as the result of one in relationship to, and in dialogue with, others.

The 19th century marked the emergence of [[existentialism|existentialist]] philosophy. Kierkegaard emphasized a humanistic [[vision]] of [[truth]] where self-consciousness propelled the individual to reach his or her highest potential. Nietzsche focused on awakening, and creating through transformation, an image of a new individual or superman who would create authentic values. Existentialists maintained that individuals had an ethical obligation to self-understanding as part of a purposeful existence. The quest to be fully human was to push the individual to farther reaches with values at the core. The 20th century marked an inclusion of the individual's role as [[meaning]]fully understood based on his or her involvement in society. Most notably, Heidegger described the fullness of [[humanity]] as the result of being in the world. Buber's philosophy of [[dialogue]] and the relationship between I and thou defined self-development as the result of one in relationship to, and in dialogue with, others.

The focus of humanistic psychology was, and continues to be, on issues that help individuals understand themselves, others, and their environments. The role of self-realization emerged as the foundation to attaining one's fullest potential and becoming fully human. Philosophers and psychologists expanded humanistic psychology to include social interest, community awareness, and spiritual experiences, further supporting the value of pursuing the highest reaches of human achievement and potential.

The focus of humanistic psychology was, and continues to be, on issues that help individuals understand themselves, others, and their environments. The role of self-realization emerged as the foundation to attaining one's fullest potential and becoming fully human. Philosophers and psychologists expanded humanistic psychology to include social interest, community awareness, and spiritual experiences, further supporting the value of pursuing the highest reaches of human achievement and potential.

The single person most responsible for establishing the field of humanistic psychology and most familiar to management studies is Maslow. He identifies a cohesive theory of the self and self-actualization by identifying a hierarchy of five needs. Physiological needs and safety, as low-order needs, are predominantly satisfied externally (i.e., pay, unions, contracts, and tenure). Social belonging, esteem, and self-actualization, as high-order needs, are internally satisfied. Maslow's theory was a psychology of the whole person.

The single person most responsible for establishing the field of humanistic psychology and most familiar to management studies is [[Maslow]]. He identifies a cohesive theory of the self and self-actualization by identifying a [[hierarchy]] of five needs. Physiological needs and safety, as low-order needs, are predominantly satisfied externally (i.e., pay, unions, contracts, and tenure). Social belonging, esteem, and self-actualization, as high-order needs, are internally satisfied. Maslow's theory was a psychology of the whole person.

Neither the theory nor the practice of humanistic psychology advocates self-seeking gratification. Seminal researchers of humanistic psychology committed their work to discovering ways to build cohesive relationships and communities. Because self-realization informs one's ethical and moral values and affects the larger society in which one lives, it is important to include its role and influence on business ethics and society.

Neither the theory nor the practice of humanistic psychology advocates self-seeking gratification. Seminal researchers of humanistic psychology committed their work to discovering ways to build cohesive relationships and communities. Because self-realization informs one's ethical and moral values and affects the larger society in which one lives, it is important to include its role and influence on business ethics and society.

==Self-Realization & Self-Actualization==

==Self-Realization & Self-Actualization==

Psychology is culture bound and often limited by implicit assumptions that create reality. For example, how one manages his or her employees or seeks to establish company stakeholder relationships is embedded in social and cultural assumptions. Such assumptions are often removed from conscious awareness. Thus, the process of self-realization is to make these assumptions conscious.

[[Psychology]] is [[culture]] bound and often limited by implicit assumptions that create [[reality]]. For example, how one manages his or her employees or seeks to establish company stakeholder relationships is embedded in social and cultural assumptions. Such assumptions are often removed from conscious awareness. Thus, the process of self-realization is to make these assumptions conscious.

The best vantage point for understanding behavior is from one's internal frame of reference. Self-realization is a process that brings one to this vantage point. Conscious thought reveals the true self—one unencumbered by the dictates of individual, group, or organizational expectations. Self-realization entails sensitivity to values and raises the question of how individuals prioritize such values, in general and in particular situations. The process involves moral awareness, thought, reasoning, judgment, and intuition. It is not narcissistic self-gratification.

The best vantage point for understanding [[behavior]] is from one's internal [[frame of reference]]. Self-realization is a [[process]] that brings one to this vantage point. Conscious thought reveals the true self—one unencumbered by the dictates of individual, group, or organizational expectations. Self-realization entails sensitivity to [[value]]s and raises the question of how individuals prioritize such values, in general and in particular situations. The process involves moral awareness, thought, [[reason]]ing, judgment, and [[intuition]]. It is not narcissistic self-gratification.

As an ideal, self-realization represents the ultimate actualization of utilizing one's fullest capabilities. A person grows toward this ideal, defined as peak performance and peak experience, through self-discovery. Peak performance is the result of a clear focus on an event that culminates in a more efficient, creative, and productive result than would typically occur. Peak experience is characterized by a sense of profound significance, recognized as the moment of highest happiness and, often, a turning point in one's life. Both Page 1886 | Top of Articleterms are cited in management studies as phenomena that leaders, capable of effecting change in groups, organizations, and institutions, experience. Maslow found that self-actualizing people tend to be altruists and their work is equated to a calling or vocation.

As an [[ideal]], self-realization represents the ultimate actualization of utilizing one's fullest capabilities. A person grows toward this ideal, defined as peak performance and peak [[experience]], through self-discovery. Peak performance is the result of a clear focus on an event that culminates in a more efficient, [[creative]], and productive result than would typically occur. Peak experience is characterized by a sense of profound significance, recognized as the moment of highest happiness and, often, a turning point in one's life. Both Page 1886 | Top of Articleterms are cited in management studies as [[phenomena]] that leaders, capable of effecting change in groups, organizations, and institutions, experience. Maslow found that self-actualizing people tend to be altruists and their work is equated to a calling or vocation.

Therefore, self-realization is not a goal to achieve but rather a corollary of an authentic life. It is cited in ethical theory because self-realization involves the recognition of one's potential and follows the second formulation of Kant's categorical imperative: that one should treat everyone, including oneself, as an end not merely as a means. This Kantian idea infers that individuals have the capacity for autonomous reasoning, with particular reference to moral judgments.

Therefore, self-realization is not a goal to achieve but rather a corollary of an authentic life. It is cited in ethical theory because self-realization involves the recognition of one's potential and follows the second formulation of Kant's categorical imperative: that one should treat everyone, including oneself, as an end not merely as a means. This Kantian [[idea]] infers that individuals have the capacity for autonomous reasoning, with particular reference to moral judgments.

Second, it is accurate to define self-realization as a continuing process of determining one's role and contribution to society. Classical theories put forward by Plato and Aristotle state that individuals attain self-realization when they achieve their distinctive function—that is, the full development of their unique capacities. Distinctive function can be framed as moral guardianship or stewardship, concepts prevalent in the context of sustainability and the ethical mandate to contribute to sustainable environments. The process of self-realization yields one's sense of responsibility for the improvement of the world as it affects both oneself and others.

Second, it is accurate to define self-realization as a continuing process of determining one's role and contribution to society. Classical theories put forward by Plato and Aristotle state that individuals attain self-realization when they achieve their distinctive function—that is, the full development of their unique capacities. Distinctive function can be framed as moral guardianship or stewardship, concepts prevalent in the context of sustainability and the ethical mandate to contribute to sustainable environments. The process of self-realization yields one's sense of responsibility for the improvement of the world as it affects both oneself and others.

Characteristics of highly individuated persons include being more creative, exhibiting more leadership behaviors, and displaying a greater willingness to express dissenting and sometimes critical opinions. Highly individuated persons influence social situations by leading others and by generating creative ideas and unusual solutions to problems. Further research, however, is needed to determine more specifically how situational contexts, such as various organizational cultures, differ in the extent to which they encourage individual differences. Given today's global business environment, there is value to assessing how national cultures that differ in terms of individualism and collectivism affect individuation. One can speculate that high individuators may have a stronger social impact in individualistic cultures than in collectivist cultures.

Characteristics of highly individuated persons include being more creative, exhibiting more leadership behaviors, and displaying a greater willingness to express dissenting and sometimes critical opinions. Highly individuated persons influence social situations by leading others and by generating creative ideas and unusual solutions to problems. Further research, however, is needed to determine more specifically how situational contexts, such as various organizational cultures, differ in the extent to which they encourage individual differences. Given today's global business environment, there is value to assessing how national cultures that differ in terms of individualism and collectivism affect individuation. One can speculate that high individuators may have a stronger social impact in individualistic cultures than in collectivist cultures.

Finally, individuated persons have achieved a high level of self-knowledge. Self-knowledge is often identified as contributing to having insight into the behavior of others and to having a greater awareness and tolerance of the human condition. This capacity of understanding is attributed to the integration of all aspects of one's personality. Self-integration correlates with self-disclosure, the second concept associated with the process of self-realization.

Finally, individuated persons have achieved a high level of self-knowledge. Self-knowledge is often identified as contributing to having insight into the behavior of others and to having a greater awareness and tolerance of the [[human condition]]. This capacity of understanding is attributed to the integration of all aspects of one's [[personality]]. Self-integration correlates with self-disclosure, the second concept associated with the process of self-realization.

Self-disclosure is explicit communication of self-data that another would otherwise not have access to. Such information exchange is considered a private act that strengthens relationships, expresses emotional experiences, clarifies personal beliefs and opinions, and maintains social control and privacy. Self-disclosure facilitates the movement from self-alienation to self-integration; in other words, self-realization is the byproduct of one disclosing himself or herself to another. It presumes authentic dialogue where both parties make themselves vulnerable and available to one another. Elements of trustworthiness, safety, and security are associated with this discourse. The choice to fully disclose and be vulnerable with one person ensures an aspect of mental health that guards against the fragmentation and alienation characteristic of modern life, as also experienced in many business environments. The distinguishing features of self-disclosure include the reciprocal exchange of ideas and using dialogue as the chosen method of communication—two elements cited as part of achieving systems change and organizational learning.

Self-disclosure is explicit communication of self-data that another would otherwise not have access to. Such information exchange is considered a private act that strengthens relationships, expresses emotional experiences, clarifies personal beliefs and opinions, and maintains social control and privacy. Self-disclosure facilitates the movement from self-alienation to self-integration; in other words, self-realization is the byproduct of one disclosing himself or herself to another. It presumes authentic [[dialogue]] where both parties make themselves vulnerable and available to one another. Elements of trustworthiness, safety, and security are associated with this discourse. The choice to fully disclose and be vulnerable with one person ensures an aspect of mental health that guards against the fragmentation and alienation characteristic of modern life, as also experienced in many business environments. The distinguishing features of self-disclosure include the reciprocal exchange of ideas and using dialogue as the chosen method of communication—two elements cited as part of achieving systems change and organizational learning.

==Ties to Management==

==Ties to Management==