Bion's Group Theory

Bion’s Group Theory explores how groups function emotionally and psychologically. It suggests that groups have two levels: a task-oriented “work” mode, where members collaborate effectively toward common goals, and a deeper “basic assumption” mode, driven by unconscious emotional needs such as safety, dependency, or chaos. These underlying feelings often influence group behavior more than rational thinking, causing the group to react instinctively rather than logically. Understanding this dynamic helps in managing group conflicts, fostering cooperation, and addressing emotional undercurrents that impact group performance.