ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the current state of knowledge about the practice and application of the systems psychodynamics paradigm, illustrated by several case studies and an account of its historical and theoretical development. The main theoretical constructs are drawn from the fields of psychoanalysis, sociotechnical theory, open systems theory, group relations practice, and latterly, complexity theory. A proposition in the first and second books will be that because of its multi-disciplinary and multi-theoretical approach; it is problematic for managers, policymakers, consultant practitioners and researchers to find a meta-position in relation to systems psychodynamics methods. The multi-disciplinary and multi-theoretical nature of systems psychodynamics makes for a complex and sophisticated set of theories and interventions available for a consultant to draw upon. The model is a complex interweaving of different theories that are brought to bear when a consultant is working with a client system.
