Boundary Management in Psychological Work with Groups

Abstract

Group events are conceptualized in this paper as temporary institutions in which and through which a variety of tasks or goals may be pursued. The role of group leader is viewed as encompassing significant managerial authority and responsibility, although this facet of the role is often overlooked. Using a typology of group events based upon the event's task system and the psychological level at which it is pursued, six types of groups currently offered to the public are identified and described. Then, using this framework and a social-systems organizational perspective, we explore the management aspects of work in groups which arise during the import, processing, and export phases of a group's life. We also argue that 1) only accurate diagnosis of the prospective members' or client organization's needs can lead to proper design of a group event, and 2) a clear contract between group leader and clients is necessary for optimal outcome.