Group Relations Conference

An experiential learning opportunity for real-time study of group and organizational dynamics, involving, leadership, followership, power, authority, autonomy, dependency, identity, diversity and how individuals and groups shape and are shaped by these dynamics.

The theme of this Group Relations Conference – Leadership, Engagement & Accountability at Work – is more relevant than ever in today’s world. At this point in time they are core aspects, shape society and are under pressure.

Leadership, Engagement & Accountability are not standalone concepts ,they are deeply interconnected. Together, they determine how decisions are made, how people participate, and how responsibility is taken up within any group – whether in the workplace, in a community, in government and society. Together, these three can ensure that decisions are made in a inclusive and thoughtful manner.

In this conference you can exercise taking up your authority to lead, engage and be accountable. You will learn about the both conscious and unconscious forces at play in group and organizational dynamics, and applyyour insights in your daily work and life.

The primary task of the conference is to explore and exercise Leadership, Engagement & Accountability @ work, and study how individuals and groups shape and are shaped by the dynamics in this temporary institution.

What will you get out of this Group Relations Conference ?

During this conference you will explore different roles, experience group dynamics, and find, take and exercise leadership, engagement & accountability @ work.

During this conference, all participants will have the opportunity to:

• Explore the central themes of leadership, engagement & accountability, and related issues, emotions and dynamics.
• Explore conscious and unconscious dynamics that unfold within groups and within yourself.
• Become aware of the roles you tend to take up in different systems.

Development and Application subsystems

The conference has a Development and Application subsystem

1. The Development subsystem is for first-time members of a Group Relations Conference or for those who wish to deepen their previous learning experience.
2. The Application subsystem is for members who wish to take the opportunity to exercise their authority to deepen and apply their learning about the principles of the Group Relations model. It is not intended as a training to take up roles ingroup relations conferences.

Jointly organized by Utrecht University School of Governance and MaTRIS.

Dates

24-27 September 2025 (residential).

Location

A conference centre in The Netherlands. More information will follow soon.