The Group Mind in Organisations: Understanding the Collective Psyche

In the realm of psychology, Carl Jung introduced the notion of the collective unconscious, a reservoir of shared experiences and symbols universal to all of humanity. If we zoom into specific organisations, communities, or groups, we find a similar dynamic at play – what we can call the “group mind” or “collective psyche.” This phenomenon is increasingly recognised as a powerful force in shaping the dynamics, behaviors, and outcomes within organisational contexts.

What is the Group Mind or Collective Psyche?

In the simplest terms, the group mind or collective psyche refers to the shared beliefs, assumptions, attitudes, narratives, and perceptions that emerge in any cohesive group of people. While each individual in a group has personal feelings, beliefs, and thoughts, there’s a collective layer where shared experiences, beliefs, and assumptions converge.

Origins of the Group Mind

1. Shared Experiences: Just as shared experiences bond individuals in close personal relationships, they also shape collective perspectives in groups. In the corporate world, these shared experiences might be company offsites, product successes (or failures), or collective reactions to management decisions.
2. Cultural Assimilation: As new members join a group or organisation, they typically undergo a process of orientation, or assumilation, consciously or unconsciously adopting the established norms, assumptions and beliefs of that group.
3. Leadership Influence: The beliefs, assumptions, and behavior of leaders often have a cascading effect on the collective mindset of their teams or organizations. The messaging, priorities, rxemplars, and behaviors set by leaders can contribute to the emergence of a shared outlook.

The Role of Organisational Psychotherapy

In the context of the group mind, organisational therapy serves as a structured intervention aiming to address and heal challenges within the collective psyche. This therapy:

• Diagnoses Collective Health: Just as psychotherapy assesses an individual’s emotional well-being, organisational therapy invite self-diagnosis of the overall health of the group mind, and inviting surfacing of and reflection on areas of conflict, trauma, and dysfunction.
• Offers Tailored Interventions: Based on identified issues, therapy might involve team-building exercises, facilitated discussions, or deeper therapeutic processes to address ingrained issues.
• Promotes Realignment: If the collective psyche is serving the organisational poorly in terms of its objectives or goals, therapy aims to hold the spoace for those involved, to steer it in more helpful directions, fostering alignment and cohesion.

Why is it Important in Organisations?

1. Influences Behaviour: The group mind affects how individuals within the organisation respond to situations. If the collective psyche values innovation, individuals might be more willing to take risks. Conversely, if the psyche is risk-averse, individuals might steer clear of experimental initiatives.
2. Shapes Decision-making: The shared beliefs and assumptions in an organisation play a key role in how decisions are made. Example: a company with a collective belief in sustainability will naturally prioritise eco-friendly initiatives.
3. Determines Organisational Health: The collective psyche can either promote a sense of unity and shared purpose or create discord. Understanding the group mind is essential for diagnosing organisational challenges and ensuring alignment.

Navigating the Collective Psyche

1. Open Dialogue: Encourage conversations that bring underlying assumptions and beliefs to the surface. This can be achieved through regular team reflections, open forums, and facilitated group discussions.
2. Leadership Role Modeling: Leaders might choose to be conscious of the beliefs and behaviors they’re promoting. Transparent leadership can positively influence the collective psyche.
3. Diversity and Inclusion: Incorporate diverse perspectives to ensure that the group mind doesn’t become too insular or resistant to change. A diversity of views can lead to a more resilient and adaptable organisational culture.
4. Continuous Learning: The group mind is dynamic. Regularly revisit and challenge the collective assumptions and beliefs. This can be achieved through dialogue, training, workshops, and exposure to external perspectives.
5. Engage in Organisational Therapy: Recognising when to bring in expertise for structured therapeutic interventions can make all the difference in maintaining a healthy group mind.

Summary

The collective psyche or group mind is a potent factor in organizational dynamics. By understanding its origins, implications, and how it operates, and by harnessing tools like organizational (psycho)therapy, organizations can nurture its positive aspects and address challenges, ensuring a thriving, cohesive work environment.