An Introduction to Systems Psychodynamics: Research and Consultancy at the Tavistock Institute

This book provides an introduction to systems psychodynamic theory and its application to organisational consultancy, research and training, outlining systems dynamics methods and their historical and theoretical developments.

Systems Psychodynamics is an emerging field of social science, the boundaries of which are continually being refined and re-defined. The ’systems’ designation refers to open systems concepts that provide the framing perspective for understanding the structural aspects of organisational systems. These include its design, division of labour, levels of authority, and reporting relationships; the nature of work tasks, processes and activities; its mission and primary task; and the nature and patterning of the organisation’s task and sentient boundaries and the transactions across them. This book presents a critical appraisal of the systems psychodynamics paradigm and its application to present-day social and organisational difficulties, showing how a holistic approach to organisational and social problems can offer a fresh perspective on difficult issues. Bringing together the theory and practice of systems psychodynamics for the first time, this book provides an examination of the systems psychodynamics paradigm in action.

This book gives an accessible and thorough guide to understanding and using systems psychodynamic ideas for analysts, managers, policy makers, consultants and researchers in a wide range of professional and clinical settings.

David Lawlor, Professional Partner, Tavistock Institute of Human Relations, specialising in research and consultancy practice; co-director, Organisational Consultancy: Working with theDynamics; Visiting Lecturer, Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust; Group Relations consultant; Formerly, Head, Social Work Discipline, Tavistock & Portman NHS Trust; Principal Consultant, Tavistock Consultancy.

Mannie Sher, Principal Social Scientist, Tavistock Institute of Human Relations; Formerly, Director, Group Relations Programme; Formerly, Board Member, International Society for the Psychoanalytic Study of Organisations (ISPSO); Author, The Dynamics of Change: Tavistock Approaches to Improving Social Systems (2013); Editor, Dynamics at Boardroom Level: A Tavistock Primer for Leaders, Coaches and Consultants.