ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the essential nature of group and inter-group work in the running of an organisation and describes how systems psychodynamics interventions can bring about positive changes to the way an organisation functions. It describes an organisation as an open social system, a sociotechnical system, and also part of an eco-system, in which psychological, social and environmental issues occur and converge. Systems psychodynamics involves the application of sociotechnical approaches to technological processes and production methods and examines the way work is carried out and integrated within the organisation's social system. The field of systems psychodynamics draws upon social systems theories and group relations theories. Group relations applies psychoanalysis, field psychology and social systems theory, whilst the sociotechnical model encompasses organisational design and the presence and regulation of boundaries. The chapter discusses the idea of self-management, in which an organisation is restructured to form small groups with substantial responsibility for various tasks such as planning, scheduling and production, and discusses that this type of structure promotes high job satisfaction, innovative behaviour and team performance.
