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Free Publications
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books | published
papers | free publications The Dynamics
of the Group Shadow in Intergroup Relations In some respects, Turner's metaphor of complex organizations as savage tribes seems apropos for describing intergroup behavior within organizations (Turner, 1977). Members of organizations often conceptualize their interconnection with other groups both within the organization and externally in terms of "friends" and "enemies." Interdepartmental warfare is commonplace although the tell-tale signs of its existence may suggest a subtly covert battle rather than a blatant, open one. The dysfunctional consequences of such warfare are exacerbated by the experienced helplessness and inability to effectively manage the "warring" dynamics or constructively learn from them.
Managing the Dynamics of"Having
Nothing to Say" in Small Groups In the early phases of a group's development when relatively silent members are queried on what they are thinking and feeling about events taking place in the group, they often reply by stating they feel nothing and they have "nothing to say." They present themselves as having no perceptions, no thoughts, and no emotions. Later, as the group develops, these relatively silent members-when confronted about their silence- often open up, expressing in vivid detail their incisive perceptions and emotions.
Mirror, Mask, and Shadow Psychodynamic
Aspects of Intergroup Relations We often interpret events as if only "bad people"-those largely nameless and faceless "others" who we characterize in stereotypically negative ways—commit acts of brutality, ruthlessness, cowardice, deception, and so on. It comes as a shock when "good people"—people like ourselves who we deem to be responsible, reasonable, conscientious—act in those same stereotypically negative ways. Afterall, "badness" is supposed to be confined to our enemies, while "goodness" is supposed to be inherent in ourselves and in the social groups with which we identify. . . That neither we nor our enemies are all good nor all bad but a mixture of both, suggests. . .
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insights
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Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that has. |
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