Dr. Rioch presents the formulations of Wilfred Bion regarding the operations of groups: every group is both a 'work' group and a 'basic assumption' group. The work group is that aspect of group functioning pertaining to the stated group task. The 'basic assumption' group can be subdivided into three types: dependency, fight-flight, and pairing. The operations of the 'basic assumption' group are unconscious; elucidation clarifies the fact that the group is experiencing difficulties operating as a work group. Individuals are seen as having more or less readiness to enter into combination with the group in making and acting on the basic assumptions. This readiness is called 'valency'. How one might use the 'basic assumption' group in the service of the work group seems worthy of further exploration.