ABSTRACT
Participant observation has an extensive pedigree in sociology and social anthropology; it is much less used in psychology. In traditional participant observer role classifications, the researcher plays a ‘participant-as-observer’ role, combining a formal role within the organization with being an observer of it. The issue of what constitutes change is problematic, given that change is an ever-present feature of all organizations. A typical formulation is that change follows a pattern of relative calm, interspersed with shorter periods of intense activity. An instance of content, already referred to, is that of A level entry grades. The employment of these was fundamental to the change process at Aston. At the time of the 1981 University Grants Committee (UGC) letter the Vice-Chancellor maintained that these were a prime criterion used by the UGC to rank universities for the purpose of resource distribution. The UGC announcement provided the clear external context for the restructuring of departments and faculties which occurred.
