ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the basis of the Tavistock ‘systems psychodynamics’ approach. ‘Systems’ refers to an organisation's structural aspects, and systems psychodynamics works with individuals, groups and social processes from a psychoanalytic perspective, as drawn from the work of Klein and Bion. The chapter explores Bion's differentiation between the Work Group, whose behaviour and activities are geared towards rational performance, and the Basic Assumption Group, whose action is geared towards fulfilling emotional needs and which can be easily triggered by anxiety and stressful situations. Bion identified the covert and often destructive processes which can take place within groups and teams. Experiential learning can take place through regular embodied practice, including visual and multi-media arts, dance, theatre and performance art.
