A systems psychodynamic interpretation of South African diversity dynamics: a comparative study by Frans Cilliers * and Brigitte Smit ** Abstract The systems psychodynamic perspective has been used previously to report on South African diversity dynamics as studied during various group relations events between 2000 and 2004. The aim of this research was to study and report on the systems psychodynamic diversity behaviour manifesting in a South African organisation during 2005 and to ascertain if and how these dynamics are shifting. A focus group was used and the data were analysed and interpreted from the systems psychodynamic stance. The manifesting themes were hostility between generations, projections around age and gender, splits in race, language and status, and a continuous position of split in the system. When the results of this study were compared with those of previous studies, it was found that many of the previous dynamics were still applicable and were now manifesting with increased intensity. Shifts occurred from a focus on mainly race and gender, towards including age, language and status. Interpretations and hypotheses were formulated around a growing awareness of identity among black employees within the South African economy. 1 Introduction There is increasing worldwide acknowledgement of the presence and effect of workforce diversity and its dynamics (Abdelsamad & Sauser 1992; Arredondo 1996). Booysen (2006) referred to the powerful social identity shifts that have already taken place in South Africa since 1994. These include legislation towards empowerment and the assumption of political, economic and social power. Booysen (2005) provides a comprehensive rendition of the challenges that these changes pose to national and organisational leadership. Against the background of these societal and organisational changes on the macro level, the present study focused on the micro and unconscious behavioural level, in order to understand how organisational diversity dynamics are manifesting in terms of systems psychodynamic behaviour. Focus group methodology was used. * Prof FVN Cilliers is attached to the Department of Industrial and Organisational Psychology, at the University of South Africa. ** Ms B Smit is attached to the Department of Education Studies at the University of Johannesburg. South African Journal of Labour Relations: Vol 30 No 2 2006 5