Yvonne Agazarian, Fall 2012, Systems-Centered News, vol. 20, no. 2
Translation Marjo Knapen & Lotte Paans

Functional subgroups is the Systems-Centered technique for conflict management. There are two protocols for functional subgroups - one for the authority phase of group development and one for the intimacy phase of group development. Please do not confuse these! There is a third form of implicit functional subgroups in the work phase that will be new to some of you!

The authority phase
Functional subgroups in the authority phase is designed to get people to listen to each other and build on each other, rather than change the subject. This is the protocol in the Foundation Manual and is what many call the ‘old’ or ‘original’ method of subgroups. It is designed to get participants:
1. have them listen to what the speaker is saying;
2. summarize the message;
3. turn to the group;
4. build on it and;
5. conclude with ‘anyone else?’.
This is the SCT method of functional subgroups originally developed to test the hypothesis, that distinguishing and integrating differences, is a necessary condition for the survival, development and transformation of human systems. ‘Excluding,’ ‘ignoring’ or ‘attacking’ differences are not among the norms of an SCT group.

The intimacy phase
Functional subgroups in the intimacy phase was developed to contribute to the process of separation-individuation. This is the protocol in the trainer's manual. It is designed to help participants:
1. have the core summarized from resonance and alignment;
2. experience an empathetic connection;
3. then disengage (separate);
4. notice the experience of separation;
5. center themselves;
6. experience themselves;
7. discover what they want to build on;
8. share this with the group,
9. and then, after ‘someone else?’ experience their desire to be connected. This deepens the experience of separation (separating) and individuation. Which creates space for exploring our tendency to merge and alienate and the dynamics of distance and closeness that are so important in human relationships. This is not an appropriate method for groups that have not yet undergone sufficient development in the Authority phase. Implicit subgroups in work phases. Not recognized by everyone is a third form of subgroups, which often occurs when there is no conflict in a group. Without conflict, there is no need for explicit subgroups to explore and integrate the different sides of group differences. When there is no conflict in the group, the work of group members is directly related to the group-as a whole. When this happens, there is implicit subgrouping.