ABSTRACT
Introduction There is a growing literature on Sustainable Work Systems (SWS) and reflective design theory (see, for example, Stebbins and Shani 2002; Stebbins et al. 2006b; Stebbins et al. 2006a), but in this school of thought, theory seems to lead practice. Our point of departure is that within the field of organization studies we can find comprehensive organization theory, comprehensive organization design theory, and comprehensive planned change orientations. Within the emerging field of SWS, the contributions have been mainly conceptual, with a limited number of applied design projects treating some, but not all, aspects of the theory (Docherty et al. 2002; Boud et al. 2006; and Chapter 15 in this volume). Significant applied research on sustainability and reflective design, the principles that guide change projects, and the dynamics of change projects is barely under way. This is unique, as prior design theories and change approaches have evolved mainly from practice. One important development is to directly consider business design and organization design together as part of a comprehensive change management program (Nadler and Slywotsky 2005). We will explain distinctions among these concepts early in the chapter. The aim of the chapter is to integrate and discuss organization design and organization change methodologies that seek to promote sustainability.
