Processes and payoffs of programmatic action research.

Abstract

This article discusses the processes and payoffs of large-system or programmatic action research. Experiences gained from a long-term, action-research program in a large health-maintenance organization indicate that current OD theory and practice do not address satisfactorily major issues associated with large-system development. Viewed in retrospect, the change program offers several implications for future programmatic action-research efforts-OD programs that are complex, evolutionary, system-wide, and firmly grounded in behavioral science theories and concepts.