The notion of identity of an organization or an enterprise answers the questions “who are we?” or “what do we want to be?” The contributors to this volume assume that these two sets of images and definitions—the internal ones and the external ones—are reciprocally influencing each other, both consciously and unconsciously, and are thus related to the formation and development of the organizational identity. This identity is a dynamic process that evolves and devolves over time and can be a source of some stability and coherence for those who depend on it. It is defined and perceived by its management and members influences continuously its decisions both in the short and in the long run. It is therefore a heuristic concept—like a primary task—that serves as a compass for structuring, designing, managing and planning for the future. Reviews: "This exploration of the theme of ‘adaptation and innovation’… draws vital attention to the exacting, complex and paradoxical nature of the evolution of group relations: continually adapting to what is ‘known’ inside and outside assumed boundaries. At the same time, challenging them, venturing into the unknown and, indeed, into the realm of the unknowable. This is the primary challenge exemplified in this volume."
- Dr Allan Shafer, Clinical Psychologist and Socio-analyst “Adaptation and innovation require a considerable emotional resilience in the face of uncertainty. This book provides a fascinating lesson in understanding and coping with the management of high levels of anxiety in the entrepreneurial activity of developing group relations in other countries.”
- Olya Khaleelee, Group and Organisational Consultant, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist, and Corporate Psychologist , Pintab Associates ”With memory and desire, I looked into the heart of international innovations here. This book arouses in one the willingness to reconsider beloved traditions and the courage to bear the excitement of the new. Inspiring!"
- Kathleen Pogue White, PhD, Psychoanalyst, Leadership Development Consultant, Executive Coach
Contents: Preface and Acknowledgements
Foreword
About the Editors and Contributors
Introduction: Adaptation and Innovation: Theory Design and Role-Taking in Group Relations Conferences and their Applications—Eliat Aram, Robert Baxter and Avi Nutkevitch
Section I: Adaptation and Innovation in Theory
1) The ‘Plurability of Experience’: Looking Afresh at a the Large Group—David Armstrong
2) Leadership: The Impact of the Full Human Being in Role—John Bazalgette
3) “Doth My Father Yet Live” Psychoanalysis an Group Relations Conferences Revisited—Avi Nutkevitch and Joseph Triest
Section II: Adaptation and Innovation in Design
4) Italian Group Relations Conferences: Between Adaptation and Innovation—Louise Diana Brunner, Mario Perini and Elio Vera
5) The Community System: Inter-Subjective Approaches to Group Relations—Susan Long
6) A World of Differences: Lessons and Innovations on the Study of Race, Authority and Identity—Mary B. McRae and Zachary Gabriel Green
Section III: Adaptation and Innovation in Role Taking and Application
7) Learning to Consult with Wonder: One Approach to Preparing Group Relations Consultants—Charla Hayden
8) Knowing the Price of Everything and the Value of Nothing: The Application of Group Relations to Organizational Development and Change with a Financial Institution—Willem de Jager and Mannie Sher
9) Exploring Jewish Identity, Belonging and Leadership Through the Lens of Group Relations: Reflections and Challenges—Yoram Lahav
10) Identity, Leadership, and Authority: Experiences in Application of Group Relations Concepts for Dalit Empowerment in India—Rosemary Viswanath
Section IV: Post Conference Reflections
11) A Walk Out Before Mourning Dawn: Reflections on Innovations and Adaptations at the Boundary—Zachary Gabriel Green and nick Papadopoulos
12) Is Group Relations a Good Regulator? Ritualization as a Basic Assumption Mentality—Gerard van Reekum and Doris Gottlieb
13) Crossing Multiple Boundaries: Reflections on the Belgirate II Experience—Ellen L. Short and Jeanne M.S.T. Woon
14) Learning from Experience: The Two International Group Relations Meetings in Belgirate—Gordon Strauss
Index
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