ABSTRACT

The author's experience of applying the social sciences in organizations must be unique. Her work is grounded in research but much of her professional activity has been in application, combining the methods and findings of research with an understanding of dynamics in working with organizations. Moving between research and practice she has, for nearly forty years, pursued the aim of rendering the social sciences useful and practical in organizational life. This collection of papers brings together wide-ranging material that is highly relevant to today's world, whilst also providing a useful historical overview of the field. The links between research, policy and practice are brought vividly to life, the many examples creating a thread that connects theory with operational reality. The author provides an insightful and significant theory of practice, developed through vignettes of her work and experience that make this a very readable and engaging book.

chapter 1|22 pages

Introduction—the context

part I|40 pages

Organization Research and Diagnosis

part II|28 pages

Some Activities in the Field

chapter 4|12 pages

The Esso story

chapter 5|7 pages

Some episodes from the field

chapter 6|7 pages

Freightliners Ltd

part IV|75 pages

Concepts, Reflections, Methods

part V|25 pages

Relating Scientific and Professional Development