Putting Social Science to Work: The Ground between Theory and Use Explored through Case Studies in Organisations

by Lisl Klein, Ken Eason

Overview

In this book, first published in 1991, Lisl Klein and Ken Eason look at the various issues involved when attempts are made to make use of the theories, methods and findings of the social sciences in practical affairs. They consider how human and social considerations may be successfully integrated with technical and economic ones in the design and development of organisations and work. Their study is both empirical and theoretical. Its core is the examination of fourteen case studies from manufacturing and service organisations in Britain and Germany. The book concludes with a discussion of what contributes to a successful practice. Its findings will be invaluable to all social scientists interested in the application of their disciplines as well as to potential clients in the world of business and industry.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521378482
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	02/18/2010
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.63(d)

Table of Contents

List of figures; Preface: why bother?; Acknowledgements; List of abbreviations; 1. Introduction; Part I. Issues in Social Science Utilisation: 2. Issues of content: the use of knowledge and the dynamics of action; 3. A framework for diagnosis; 4. A practical profession; Part II. An Empirical Study of Social Science Utilisation: 5. The research programme; 6. Cases in organisational structure and policy; 7. Cases in technical systems development; 8. Cases in behavioural change/problem-solving for specific groups; 9. Cases in behavioural change/development for management; 10. The content and process of social science utilisation; 11. What supports and hinders social science utilisation; 12. Five practitioners; 13. The work of the Commission for Economic and Social Change in Germany; Part III. Discussion: 14. A collaborative venture; 15. Elements of practice; References; Index.