Group as a Whole: Learning for Leadership, Authority and Organisation

The focus of this volume is on groups. The approach taken is to study groups from the perspective of the group as a whole, which provides a totally different perspective from studying individual actions and relationships in groups. The book begins with pre-conference activity, particularly the need for ‘authority’, and a discussion on the importance and understanding of the group as a whole. The subsequent chapters follow the usual structure of IGO group relations conferences (GRCs). The aim is to develop a deeper understanding of group relations learning but it is in no way a substitute for the vital learning from experiential opportunities provided by actual GRCs, which is rich and valuable because it happens in the here and now in our direct experience. The book is an excellent introduction to GRCs for the novice and ideal for those who have attended GRCs to explore their own experiences and emotions. The learning opportunities provide powerful insights to individuals and other group members. Everything that happens at a GRC is done for the learning of the members.