Anti-groups and action research in organizations

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    Abstract

    Merge and change processes in organizations often result in complex relational
    problems among leaders and staff. These relational issues may uncover
    psychodynamic patterns. In this article we focus on the
    psychodynamic concept of anti-groups (Nitsun, 2006a or b? )(that goes
    for the rest of the text and the bibliography, too) in relation to a specific
    action research process. The aim is to reflect on an organizational change
    process in which the interpersonal relationships between group, management
    and organization exhibited anti-group patterns. We show how a psychodynamic
    approach and, in particular, the concept of negative
    capabilities may offer a pathway to change and participation when poor
    social and emotional relations between organizational members have
    emerged over a long period.
    In the design of action research processes, some conditions in relation
    to power, participation and the researchers’ roles are discussed because
    both the external consultant’s and the researcher’s roles exert an influence
    on power and participation when working with conscious and unconscious
    interpersonal processes in the organization.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationParticipation and power : In participatory research and action research
    EditorsMarianne Kristiansen, Jørgen Bloch-Poulsen
    Number of pages26
    PublisherAalborg Universitetsforlag
    Publication date2014
    EditionOpen Access, 1
    Pages145-171
    Chapter7
    ISBN (Electronic)978-87-7112-164-3
    Publication statusPublished - 2014
    EventParticipation and Power in participatory and action research - Aalborg Universitet/CPH, Denmark
    Duration: 5 Jun 20137 Jun 2013

    Conference

    ConferenceParticipation and Power in participatory and action research
    LocationAalborg Universitet/CPH
    Country/TerritoryDenmark
    Period05/06/201307/06/2013
    SeriesSerie om Lærings-, forandrings- og organisationsudviklingsprocesser/Series in Transformational Studies
    Number1
    Volume3
    ISSN2245-7569

    Keywords

    • Anti-group
    • Participation
    • Power
    • Negative capability
    • Action Research
    • Psychodynamic Organizational Theory

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