Creative development in Bion’s work group: The desire for knowledge and the pursuit of truth

Simpson, Peter; French, Robert; Sheffield, Rob

Abstract

In this paper we seek to contribute to the extensive literature utilising Bion’s theory of group functioning by employing a more developed treatment of the work-group than is commonly employed. Whilst we continue to recognise the value of an understanding of basic-assumption mentality in an appreciation of group functioning, it is our contention that the focus on this alone, without comparable attention to work-group mentality, can lead to an inappropriately negative view of group process than and, indeed, that is contrary to Bion’s essential optimism about the powerful psychological structure of work-group mentality. Illustrated by reference to events over a two-month period on a management development programme we discuss how the desire for knowledge and the pursuit of truth may lead to creative development within the work-group.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: 25th EGOS Colloquium
• Start Date: Jul 2, 2009
• End Date: Jul 4, 2009
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 24, 2019
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: psychodynamics, Bion, work group, creativity, group dynamics, truth
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1436129
• Publisher URL: http://www.egosnet.org/archive/2009_barcelona
• Additional Information: Title of Conference or Conference Proceedings : 25th EGOS Colloquium