Tavistock approaches
Tavistock-trained practitioners study group dynamics, leadership, authority, and organisational behaviour in order to help people work better together
Organisations and the groups within them are living systems, shaped as much by unconscious dynamics as by structure or strategy. Processes like projections, transference, and other dynamics that are not immediately visible always affect how the group functions.
Understanding human relations means attending to what is felt and unspoken as much as what is visible and recognising that meaningful change requires working with the whole system, not just its parts.
Organisations, being made up of groups, are not just rational systems but emotional systems too.
Dr Mannie Sher
How Tavistock thinking can be applied
Tavistock approaches are frequently used in organisational consulting, helping leaders and teams understand the deeper, often hidden dynamics that affect their work.
The Institute’s work also addresses larger societal issues, exploring how groups and organisations can contribute to social change.
The principles of Group Relations, in particular, have also been used in therapeutic contexts, particularly in group therapy settings.
The Tavistock approach has deeply influenced various fields, including organisational development, psychotherapy, and social psychology, providing a framework for understanding complex human dynamics in group settings.