The application of Stevens-Long's theoretical construction of Bion's experiences in groups

Psychodynamic explanations of group dynamics, although underrepresented in the group process literature, offer a rich and frequently untapped source of insight into how groups interact and why groups get stuck. Among such approaches to group dynamics, Bion's work represents a source of useful guidance as the basis for intervention in groups. Little empirical confirmation of Bion's work exists due to the difficulty of operationalizing his concept of the basic assumption groupings since these are essentially tacit group-level phenomena. Stevens-Long's extension of Bion's work offers a potential solution by providing a connection between Bion's basic assumptions and variables that are measurable at the individual level.;This quantitative research study investigates whether Stevens-Long's theory that the dimensions of role structure and boundary interact to produce the basic assumptions as described by Bion, and that four parameters (boundary permeability, internal structure, activity level, and emotional climate) can be used to determine which of Bion's basic assumptions a group is currently facing.;Eighteen workplace product development teams were surveyed using a Multi-Dimensional Group Analysis (MDGA) survey (Ricci, 1996). The data were analyzed using latent profile analysis. The results of the analysis provide statistical support for a two-class model consisting of a basic assumption dependency and a basic assumption flight class thus providing some evidence for Stevens-Long's proposed fourplex model. While the latent profile analysis results for the three- and four-class models were not statistically significant, the picture that emerged from the data were suggestive from the perspective of the fourplex model and field observation of the teams.;This study contributes to current knowledge in group process by testing an operationalization of Bion's basic assumption group theory that has the potential to make Bion's tacit group-level concepts more accessible and more easily applied on a larger scale.;Key Words: Bion, group process, psychodynamic, latent profile analysis, workplace teams, team effectiveness, team performance...