Relational and Social Constructionist Consortium of Ecuador (IRYSE) Diego Tapia Figueroa, Ph.D. and Maritza Crespo Balderrama, M.A Probably, the richest literature in terms of consistency, contributions, and possibilities on these topics can be found in the philosophical, epistemological, broad, deep, and inspiring research proposals, theory and practice, relational ethics, and reflective pragmatics developed by Dora Fried Schnitman, Ph.D. and Harlene Anderson, Ph.D. Both of them, are among our wisest, most generous, intelligent, and fun teachers. And, of course, in the numerous publications of the TAOS INSTITUTE, with the transcendental contributions (admired teachers and friends) of Kenneth Gergen, Ph.D., Sheila McNamee, Ph.D., John Shotter, Ph.D., Silvia London, M.A., Marilene Grandesso, Ph.D.…

Relational and Social Constructionist Consortium of Ecuador (IRYSE) Diego Tapia Figueroa, Ph.D. and Maritza Crespo Balderrama, M.A. The leaderships that enthrone the dictatorship of intransigence are hidden behind discourses of productivity, success, perfectionism, meritocracy, results, and all the paraphernalia of those who abuse their power and privileges. They manage to impose alienating work and lifestyle styles. These abusive hierarchical structures oppress, subjugate, and dispossess. Mediocre and ignorant bosses, owners of their emotional underdevelopment, maintain the hierarchy as if it were a value deserving of respect. They are experts in exacerbating the feeling that the pathetic existence of puppets is a panacea for the majority of citizens without stable, well-paid work…

Relational and Social Constructionist Consortium of Ecuador (IRYSE) Diego Tapia Figueroa, Ph.D. and Maritza Crespo Balderrama, M.A. Over the years, we have developed consultancies, seminars, and workshops on authentic, intelligent, creative leadership in this and other countries. Our approach is from a dialogic, relational, and transformative position, emphasizing reflective pragmatics. We operate from a professional and relational ethic, with a methodology based on respect for the dignity of individuals. One of the challenges we have found is that people accustomed to modernist epistemologies—who view labor, organizational, and educational relationships as hierarchical issues of control and power—find it difficult to open up to learning something different. These individuals, stuck in their…

Relational and Social Constructionist Consortium of Ecuador (IRYSE) Maritza Crespo Balderrama, M.A. and Diego Tapia Figueroa, Ph.D. They are biases, often unconscious, that manifest themselves in gender relations and cause women to be affected. Gender-based violence does not arise in recent times or due to the rise of telecommunications. It is a reality that has been growing and developing in our society over the centuries and that is fed by cultural conceptions, beliefs, ideology, and even science itself, which often supports concepts and ideas that have led to behaviors and misunderstandings in which women are at a disadvantage. This years-long process is the breeding ground for so-called “unconscious biases,” which…

Relational and Social Constructionist Consortium of Ecuador (IRYSE) Maritza Crespo Balderrama, M.A. and Diego Tapia Figueroa, Ph.D. It is a common problem that can occur in the areas in which we operate. Facing it intelligently and getting out of this situation positively is possible. Violence, in its different manifestations, is an evil that afflicts contemporary societies. It is enough to watch the news on television or listen to what certain people say to recognize that, unfortunately, many (couple, family, work, or friendship) relationships are marked by the signs of a culture of abuse. Although this is the case, it is common for both women and men not to know how…

Relational and Social Constructionist Consortium of Ecuador (IRYSE) Maritza Crespo Balderrama, MA and Diego Tapia Figueroa, Ph.D , It is important to identify the phases and characteristics of abuse, to raise your voice, and to stop it. Gender-based violence is not a contemporary phenomenon, but rather it is something that has occurred over centuries, sustained by the abusive use of power, and by religious and cultural conceptions in which a distant view of acceptance and respect for gender stands out. However, in recent decades, gender studies have allowed us to understand -in a better and more detailed way- how this process occurs. One of the most well-known, clear, and graphic proposals of the process that involves gender…

Relational and Social Constructionist Consortium of Ecuador (IRYSE) Maritza Crespo Balderrama, M.A. and Diego Tapia Figueroa, Ph.D.   The overall well-being of an individual goes far beyond physical health. Two clinical psychologists talk about it. Although we all have some notion of what good health means, it is important to understand that it is not only related to not suffering from diseases. Daily life presents us with situations that require us to be alert and engaged in activities of all kinds. Economic, social, and family demands imply that, regardless of age, we meet the expectations of others and our own, and, all of this, in one way or another, affects…

Relational and Social Constructionist Consortium of Ecuador (IRYSE) Diego Tapia Figueroa, Ph.D. and Maritza Crespo Balderrama, M.A. Shame    Continuing in a society, in a country whose government decides, that it is above the Law, that the Law is to be imposed in an abusive and corrupt way on others and not to be respected and enforced, produces only a penalty that is defeat, a historical shame and legitimate indignation. In this present of banalities that come and go with frenzy, of endless lists of frustrations and disappointments, because you discover that your relatives are thieves, that your friends are buffoons, that your loves were idealized ghosts, that work is…