Only to connect

Systems psychodynamics and communicative space

Bibliographic Data

ID6134375
AuthorsJohn Newton (0000-0002-5641-6457, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University, Australia,), John F Newton (RMIT University), Helen Goodman (0000-0002-0544-1775, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University, Australia)
Year2009
Volume7
Issue3
Pages291-312
Publication date2009-09-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAction Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1476-7503 • E-ISSN: 1741-2617
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/1476750309336719
OpenAlexW1969993955
LanguageEN
Citations received8
References cited13

This article provides an example of the contribution a systems psychodynamic approach can make to action research. Drawing from a case study of a complex inter-organizational project, the authors argue that the concept of 'communicative space' requires consideration of affectivity, and the holding of an emotional space for people to connect symbiotically with each other. The case material illustrates how system pressures were having the opposite effect on stakeholders ― shrinking their involvement, displacing feelings into silent resentment and 'closing down' communication so that interpersonal relations were shallow. The article shows how the heedful use of systems psychodynamic theory can help the action researcher create an emotional disposition which itself then supports the emergence of communicative space. The mutuality generated using this approach becomes the medium through which the parties can explore the system they are seeking to understand and, in so doing, create the human links on which system functionality depends

Action research · Pedagogy · Political science · Sociology · Complex Systems and Decision Making · Counseling, Therapy, and Family Dynamics · Management and Organizational Studies · Psychology