The Dynamics of Change: Tavistock approaches to improving social systems

The papers included in this book are reflections of the important approaches (theories and practices) that originated in both Tavistock institutions; the Tavistock Institute of Human Relations and the Tavistock & Portman NHS Trust - over the past 70 to 80 years: psychoanalysis (the role of thought) socio-technical systems (the interaction between people and technology in workplaces) theories of leadership, research and evaluation methodologies; participant design and greater democratisation of the workplace. The four sections in the book include 11 publications that cover my career of over 40 years, and they reflect my professional journey: bridging my work at the Tavistock Clinic from 1971 to 1976 - Public Sector Psychotherapy (Section 2), with my experiences at the Tavistock Institute of Human Relations from 1997 to the present - Group Relations (Section 3); Organisational Development and Change (Section 4); and Board Evaluation (Section 5). The published work mirrors and adds to the evolution of Tavistock models of theory and practice to understanding and working in the field of human endeavour.