Envy and Narcissism in Contemporary Organizations

Abstract

The mimesis theory has the merit of drawing our attention to behaviors that are easily observed in human communities, whatever their nature, and of helping us find the link between mimetism, envy, and violence. One essential aspect of this theory is that it places emphasis on the fundamental role of the other in the problematic of envy; an other who initially serves as a model and who progressively turns into a rival as he/she draws the attention of the envious. Extrapolating from this theory, one could conclude that envy would not exist if the construction of the subject were not intrinsically related to the other. Yet, Girard’s theory teaches nothing concerning this aspect. Based on the observation of mimetic behaviors, the theory merely reveals the fundamental role played by the other when he/she is used as a model, and states its consequences from an anthropological perspective. But it says nothing about the origin of this primordial “clash” with the other. Why does the other fascinate us so much? Why is the other placed in a position of model? Why does becoming like the model turn into a matter of life or death? Why are the slightest differences blown out of proportion by the person who “falls” victim to envy?