Notes on Consulting to Racism: Linking Individual, Group and Organisational Contexts

This paper frames an ongoing conversation about dealing with race in consultation with organisations. In addition to organisation development, we are utilising a psychodynamic approach that recognises that two levels are at play in every group: the 'group as a whole' and the interplay between individuals' (pair) dynamics. We provide situational narratives to shape a discussion about the topic of racism under five sub-headings: Addressing and dealing with the hatred of racial differences. The system is more than just race. Consulting to the difference between policy and practice when it comes to race. Providing incentives for change. Using group relations conferences as training for dealing with race. We provide examples from our own consultation experiences as a way of engaging the reader in a consideration of their own work with racial differences in ongoing organisational interventions. Using these experiences we suggest consulting stances for future work and theoretical horizons that integrate organisation development and psychodynamic consulting traditions.