ABSTRACT
The systems psychodynamics literature clearly suggests that the differing theoretical strands could be described as a container or distinct paradigm. Systems psychodynamics consultancy work and organisational theory is made up of a many-stranded, highly theoretically driven model. Practitioners place different emphases on certain theoretical constructions. In the systems psychodynamics literature, the theory of social systems as a defence against anxiety is the way in which the projective and introjective processes that occur in intra-psychic life are applied to encompass organisational systems and the individuals within them. The Tavistock approach to thinking about and understanding organizational behaviour strengthens the consultant who works with systems and their sub-systems. The consultant may decide to look at the way a variety of defence mechanisms are used by individuals and groups to manage their anxiety in the organisation.
