A Joint publication in the Jossey-Bass management series and the Jossey-Bass social and behavioral science series

"The landmark book Action Science introduced a revolutionary theory of Organizational inquiry that demonstrated ways to solve problems, enhance human development and learning, and promote individual, organizational, and social change. Now, Chris Argyris translates the powerful theoretical approach presented in that work into practical advice for researchers and managers." "Knowledge for Action presents a step-by-step description of how to assess an organization's capacity to learn, analyze the data, and design and implement effective interventions that help create a more dynamic and innovative organization. Argyris demonstrates how his proven research methods produce actionable knowledge - knowledge that tests the validity of the research methods themselves when used in day-to-day operations - and calls for a genuine partnership between professionals and researchers both to implement the research properly and to test its results in everyday life." "Using a detailed case study of a professional service organization, Argyris illustrates how to reduce counterproductive politics and implement change from the top down. Drawing from interviews with and observations of top management, he shows how to identify and correct defensive routines and political problems that occur in organizations. By presenting transcripts of actual discussions, the author reveals how previously "undiscussable" problems can be resolved and how adversarial relationships can be turned into productive partnerships. He includes checklists, charts, and scoring procedures that researchers and line managers can use to make lasting changes to the status quo."--Jacket.

In this new volume of the Professional Practice Series - the first to be published by Jossey-Bass - Manuel London brings together a group of research and practice experts to show how such leading companies as AT&T have responded to demands for change with programs that enhance career opportunities for individuals and stimulate organizational growth. In thirteen original chapters, London and his contributors detail how industrial and organizational psychologists, human resource professionals, and consultants have created innovative human resource development and training programs. These programs go beyond the traditional emphasis on interest surveys, career tracks, and interview skills to train employees in the abilities that actually create new jobs within organizations - skills such as entrepreneurial aptitude, work flexibility, and a value-added orientation. Employees, Careers, and Job Creation shows how to predict the career opportunities that will open up in an organization's future, assess employee skills, develop training goals, and overcome such barriers to success as employee resistance to learning. It also offers examples of how organization and community-based support programs can assist displaced workers in the event layoffs prove inevitable.