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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Nick Winder
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This paper develops an appreciative method for the management and regulation of integrative research. It distinguishes product from process and emphasizes the value of processes. In human systems, historical events (states) sometimes change the balance of probabilities so that processes are never the same again. Many historical events are manifest as changing beliefs that lead to new behaviours. This irreversible change (innovation) often begins with an increase in the epistemic openness or appreciative setting of communities. As knowledge is exploited, however, appreciative settings become fixed; beliefs are locked-in or reified and recognizable epistemic communities form. Integrative research (i) involves two or more epistemic communities, often with mutually irreconcilable beliefs and (ii) requires small, well-managed, ephemeral groups and sympathetic regulation. Institutional constraints are explored with reference to national and supranational research agencies and their practices.
Author(s): Winder NP
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Systems Research and Behavioral Science
Year: 2005
Volume: 22
Issue: 4
Pages: 299-309
Print publication date: 01/07/2005
ISSN (print): 1092-7026
ISSN (electronic): 1099-1743
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/sres.694
DOI: 10.1002/sres.694
Notes: Text of an invited paper read to the OU systems Group and guests on the day Sir Geoffrey Vickers' family donated his personal papers to the library. Now published in a special edition of this, the flagship 'soft systems' journal serving management scientists, systems practitioners and behavioral scientists on both sides of the Atlantic.
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