ABSTRACT
Psychoanalytic theories assert that emotions do not reside exclusively in an individual but may be distributed throughout a human system. Psychoanalytic theories cover dynamics at various levels of organizational life: intra-personal, inter-personal, group, inter-group and inter-organizational. It discusses theories that draw on psychoanalytic thinking: how emotions affect individuals and work groups involved in change processes. Then it discusses the contributions that derive from group relations work: the concepts of boundary, authority, role and task that help illuminate authority relationships, define working relationships, and spot and understand disconnects about who is doing what, for what purpose and with whom. Skilled practitioners find ways to help organization members contain felt anxieties and tensions by creating some psychological safety or what Winnicott refers to as a holding environment. Often, consulting and organizational development work focuses on the development of intra-personal qualities and skills and on inter-personal relationships.
