Anxiety and incompetence in the large group

Abstract

Insights from psychoanalytic thinking have been widely applied in the field of consulting, training and facilitation; small group theory has also been influential. Perspectives from median and large group work have been less commonly applied. Explores some of the mechanisms which underlie large group dynamics and shows how they can help to highlight some of the destructive processes which may occur when more than about a dozen people meet together. Insights derived from large group perspectives will be used to help explain the dynamics of an organisational event in which a group of experienced consultants were reduced to feelings of profound incompetence and helplessness. Finally, suggests some ways in which the negative effects of large group dynamics may be ameliorated.