The Systems Psychodynamics of Organizations: Integrating the Group Relations Approach, Psychoanalytic, and Open Systems Perspectives by J. Gould Laurence

Author:J. Gould, Laurence
Language: eng
Format: azw3
ISBN: 9781855754416
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Published: 2018-05-29T16:00:00+00:00

Conclusion

This chapter has sought to view a Tavistock approach from a complexity perspective. It has suggested how the latter perspective might complement, and contrast with, a Tavistock approach. A complexity perspective suggests a shift in focus. The emphasis in a Tavistock approach is placed on design and regulation at the boundary between task and individual/group systems. This tends to privilege what I have called the legitimate aspects or relationships in organizations. A complexity perspective does not make the distinction between task and individual/group systems but, rather, considers the impact of relationships between individuals and groups on the dynamics of an organisation seen as one network nesting in larger networks, such as markets. The emphasis is then placed on the self-organising, emergent properties of the shadow aspects of relationships in organizations, on how they coexist with the legitimate aspects and tend to be subversive of those legitimate aspects in the interests of change. It has been argued that this shift in focus directs attention to the potential for novelty and creativity.

*This paper owes much to intense discussion with colleagues Douglas Griffin and Patricia Shaw. I am also grateful for the comments of Eric Miller and the editors of this volume on an earlier draft.

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