Adaptation and Innovation

Eliat Aram, PhD, is the CEO of the Tavistock Institute of Human Relations. She is a Chartered Scientist psychologist (BPS) and a UKCP registered gestalt psychotherapist and supervisor. She is also a member of the Royal Society of Medicine in the UK and of OFEK in Israel, and is regularly on the staff of group relations conferences both nationally and internationally. Since 2007 she has directed and made innovations to the TIHR's Leicester conference, 'Authority, Role, Organisation', the Institute's annual two-week group relations experiential learning conference. Robert Baxter, MD, is a retired Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Louisville where he was Director of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He is a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and the A. K. Rice Institute for the Study of Social Systems. He formerly served on AKRI's Board of Directors and was its President for eight years. Avi Nutkevitch, PhD, is a clinical psychologist, psychoanalyst and organizational consultant. He is a full member of the Israel Psychoanalytic Society and teaches at the Israel Psychoanalytic Institute. He is a founding member and former Chair of OFEK, the Israel Association for the Study of Group and Organisational Processes. He is currently Co-Director and Faculty of the Program in Organisational Consultation and Development: a Psychoanalytic-Systemic Approach.

'The notion of identity of an organization or an enterprise answers the questions 'who are we?' or 'what do we want to be?' We 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.'- From the Introduction'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, Corporate Psychologist, Pintab Associates, Group and Organisational Consultant, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist'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'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-AnalystContents-Adaptation and Innovation in Theory-Adaptation and Innovation in Design-Adaptation and Innovation in Role Taking and Application

• Preface and Acknowledgements -- Foreword -- Introduction -- Adaptation and Innovation in Theory -- The ‘plurability of experience’: Looking afresh at the large group -- Leadership: The impact of the full human being in role -- “Doth my father yet live” Psychoanalysis and group relations conferences: Revisited -- Adaptation and Innovation in Design -- Italian group relations conferences between adaptation and innovation -- The community system: Inter-subjective approaches to group relations -- A world of difference: Lessons and innovations on the study of race, authority and identity -- Adaptation and Innovation in Role Taking and Application -- Learning to consult with wonder: One approach to preparing group relations consultants -- Knowing the price of everything and the value of nothing: The application of group relations to organizational development and change with a financial institution -- Exploring Jewish identity, belonging and leadership through the lens of group relations: Reflections and challenges -- Identity, leadership, and authority: Experiences in application of group relations concepts for dalit empowerment in India -- Post Conference Reflections -- A walk out before mourning dawn: Reflections on innovations and adaptations at the boundary -- Is group relations a good regulator? Ritualization as a basic assumption mentality -- Crossing multiple boundaries: Reflections on the Belgirate II experience -- Learning from experience: The two international group relations meetings in Belgirate