An anonymous donor who believes deeply in the value of group relations and the A.K. Rice Institute," will match, dollar for dollar, up to $5,000, the dues paid by former AKRI members who rejoin between now and December 31, 2009. The donor will also match at a 2:1 ratio the dues paid by first-time members of AKRI, also up to $5,000. Our hope is this will result in an extra $20,000 and 38 more members in the next 6 months.
Welcome to The A.K. Rice Institute for the Study of Social Systems
Welcome to the A.K. Rice Institute website. Founded in 1970 as an outgrowth of the work at the Tavistock Institute, The AKRI is now the largest group relations organization in the world, and maintains affiliations and partnerships with other related organizations, including the Tavistock Institute.
AKRI is an educational institution dedicated to an approach known as “group relations.” Based primarily on experiential learning, our conferences and other educational offerings provide ways for people to learn about the unconscious, hidden and seemingly irrational parts of work in groups and organizations.
Group relations conferences complement other forms of leadership training by providing a method for people to learn about and reflect on their experiences in groups.By constructing a temporary organization within a conference, participants in AKRI sponsored events have a chance to experience the ways in which they exercise their authority and take up different roles in their outside lives.
If you are interested in reading more about our work, we suggest beginning with the Tavistock Primer or perusing our list of publications.If you have questions or an interest in exploring group relations educational opportunities, we hope you will contact us.
Leigh Estabrook, President.
In addition to holding our own Leadership Institute, supporting other group relations conferences and organizing the AKRI Symposium, we also help to train practitioners and skilled consultants in this field through our training & certificationprogram and offer or sponsor consultant training events.
Change in Associate Membership Criteria
Anyone who has participated in an experiential group relations conference or equivalent educational event offered by AKRI, its Affiliates, or such other organizations identified with group relations work that the Board may recognize is now eligible for membership as an Associate of AKRI. A recent amendment to the AKRI Bylaws changed the previous requirement of attendance at a residential conference. For more details about the membership criteria and the votes on the amendment, please go to Latest AKRI Newson the Resources page.
Multimedia presentations from the 2008 AKRI Symposium available
Visit our Multimedia page in the Publications section for audio and video versions of presentations from this exciting event held in Chicago in May. Additional materials will be posted in Papers & Presentations. Originally called the AKRI Scientific Meeting, the Symposium continues a tradition of academic and intellectual inquiry focusing on the theory and practice of group relations.
Website feedback
We welcome your feedback, comments and ideas on how we can continue to improve this (new) site. Submit your suggestions to webmaster@akriceinstitute.org.
AKRI Videos
AKRI gets virtual
Hear firsthand from video interviews on the incredible learning experience of an AKRI-style event
Dues Renewal
2008 dues amnesty
Former associates can renew AKRI membership today without additional fees