Group Relations methodology offers a dynamic lens for exploring conscious and unconscious behavior within groups, organizations, and social systems. More specifically, Group Relations thinking offers insight into our experiences of group life across different contexts such as at home, in the workplace, or in society at large.
Through Group Relations, we can explore the interplay between leadership, authority, membership, and group identity, to better understand our behavior in groups and the behavior of others.
The Group Relations approach to learning is through experience. Thus, a Group Relations conference (GRC) is often described as an "experiential learning opportunity" to study one's experience in a temporary organizational system. A GRC is an intensive participatory process that affords members the opportunity to study their behavior as it happens in real-time without the distractions of everyday social niceties, workplace pressures, or protocols. In this unique environment, hidden aspects of our every day are often brought to light. These behaviors and their meanings are engaged and explored in ways not usually considered. Typically, a team of consultants assist the group in determining what thoughts, feelings, and actions – both conscious and unconscious – support our effectiveness and which detract from it. Participants in experiential conferences often report “aha” moments that can last for days, months or a lifetime.
For more information on Group Relations, browse our resources.
The New York Center is a member-led not-for-profit dedicated to the study of Group Relations. We are a regional affiliate of the A.K. Rice Institute for the Study of Social Systems (AKRI), a national community of managers, consultants, mental health professionals, educators, community leaders, and entrepreneurs.
Our mission is to advance leadership, education, collaboration, and innovation in Group Relations — in the New York metropolitan area and beyond — with a commitment to social justice and a diversity of perspectives.
Throughout the year we host experiential conferences, study groups, panel presentations, and social dreaming events exploring Group Relations in social and professional life. We build community and welcome emerging practices in the field.
The Center is governed by the Executive Committee, a volunteer leadership body elected by members to three-year terms.
Elyce Cole
President
Nina Traylor
Vice President
Frank Carson
Treasurer
Chelsea Rodriguez
Secretary
Jonathan Rust
Member-at-Large
Jacob Peter Kovner
Member-at-Large
The New York Center has been hosting events for over 30 years. See below for a summary of our events. Click here for upcoming AKRI-sponsored GRCs.
The New York Center
408 W. 34th Street, Suite 1B
New York, NY 10001
We are always looking for new members to help create a dynamic and energetic organization that leads the way in understanding, applying, and innovating Group Relations theory and practice.
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