The Dynamics of Change: Tavistock Approaches to Improving Social Systems

by Mannie Sher

Overview

This book focuses on the hallmark or approaches of the Tavistock Institute—combining research in the social sciences with professional practice in organisational and social change. It shows how consultant and client system are partners in the process of organisational analysis and design.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781780490601
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	01/01/2013
Series:	Tavistock Approaches to Improving Social Systems Series
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Mannie Sher is a Principal Social Scientist and Director of the Group Relations Programme at the Tavistock Institute, London. He manages organizational development and change projects and consults to top management of organizations on the role of leadership in effecting strategic change. He is a Fellow of the British Association of Psychotherapists and a practicing psychoanalytical psychotherapist. Sher has published on subjects of consultancy, leadership, organizational development, ethics and corruption. He is a member of ISPSO, OFEK and OPUS.

Table of Contents

About the Author — Introduction — Psychotherapy in the Public Sector — Psychiatric social work and general practice — Counselling and psychotherapy in primary healthcare: key professional issues — Ethical issues for psychotherapists working in organisations — Group Relations — Splits, extrusion and integration: the impact of “potential space” for group relations and sponsoring institutions — Group relations conferences: reviewing and exploring theory, design, role-taking, and application — From groups to group relations: Bion’s contribution to the Tavistock–“Leicester” conferences — Organisational Development and Change Consultancy — In search of the “structure that reflects”: promoting organisational reflection practices in a UK health authority — Hopes, fears, and reality in a merger of two charities — Boardroom Evaluation — Corruption: aberration or an inevitable part of the human condition? Insights from a “Tavistock” approach — Psychological and behavioural elements in board performance — Inside the minds of the money minders: deciphering reflections on money, behaviour, and leadership in the financial crisis of 2007–2010 *

Editorial Reviews

"This book beautifully represents the unique professional and intellectual journey of Mannie Sher from psychoanalytic psychotherapy to the study of unconscious processes in groups and organisations. This marvellous range of case studies, from the care sector to international finance, demonstrate the mind of a social innovator at work, a mind which is constantly in dialogue with its psychoanalytic mentors, particularly Bion."

Paul Hoggett

"This compendium is a breath-taking, brilliant account of intellectual development and societal impact by a prolific man of his times. The account of his journey from the unlocking of a suppressed person, to the freedom to develop his intellectual gifts, to his development as an institutional leader and thought leader, and finally development in the role of guardian of beloved ideas and champion of ideas unfolding is quite inspiring. This is an important addition to the literature for adult development and systems theorists as well as for professionals who are in the business of making a difference in societal well-being."

Kathleen Pogue White

"This book shows precisely and with great subtlety what is necessary for effective leadership. The capacity to decide and to wait, to think and to feel, to ponder and to act intuitively, to be deeply connected to present realities and yet always aware of overarching objectives — these qualities are more than personal competencies: Mannie Sher demonstrates how such capacities can be embedded in work as diverse as a GP's clinic, a bank's boardroom and an entire regulatory system. I strongly recommend the book to all who are interested in leadership, and to everyone keen to understand how human beings can possibly cope, with wisdom and good humour, with the challenges of responsible roles in modern organisations."

Professor Jonathan Gosling

"This book shows precisely and with great subtlety what is necessary for effective leadership. The capacity to decide and to wait, to think and to feel, to ponder and to act intuitively, to be deeply connected to present realities and yet always aware of overarching objectives -- these qualities are more than personal competencies: Mannie Sher demonstrates how such capacities can be embedded in work as diverse as a GP's clinic, a bank's boardroom and an entire regulatory system. I strongly recommend the book to all who are interested in leadership, and to everyone keen to understand how human beings can possibly cope, with wisdom and good humour, with the challenges of responsible roles in modern organisations."

"This compendium is a breath-taking, brilliant account of intellectual development and societal impact by a prolific man of his times. The account of his journey from the unlocking of a suppressed person, to the freedom to develop his intellectual gifts, to his development as an institutional leader and thought leader, and finally development in the role of guardian of beloved ideas and champion of ideas unfolding is quite inspiring. This is an important addition to the literature for adult development and systems theorists as well as for professionals who are in the business of making a difference in societal well-being."

"This book beautifully represents the unique professional and intellectual journey of Mannie Sher from psychoanalytic psychotherapy to the study of unconscious processes in groups and organisations. This marvellous range of case studies, from the care sector to international finance, demonstrate the mind of a social innovator at work, a mind which is constantly in dialogue with its psychoanalytic mentors, particularly Bion."

From the Publisher