Complex socio-organisational phenomena and ill-defined problem spaces: a multi-method approach to the rescue

Irena Ali (), Mathew Zuparic, Iain Macleod, Phuong La and Yi Yue
Additional contact information
Irena Ali: Defence Science and Technology Group
Mathew Zuparic: Defence Science and Technology Group
Iain Macleod: Defence Science and Technology Group
Phuong La: Defence Science and Technology Group
Yi Yue: Defence Science and Technology Group

Journal of the Operational Research Society, 2017, vol. 68, issue 8, 919-934

Abstract: Abstract This paper reports on a multi-method (also referred to as mixed method) approach for studying complex socio-organisational phenomena where the problem space is ill-defined, and its utility in providing meaningful decision support to a branch within a military headquarters. The study comprised two phases: diagnostic (I) and intervention (II). The Phase I instruments were an organisation and team effectiveness survey and workforce modelling. Phase II involved a series of workshops situated in sensemaking and complexity theory. Combining the modelling results with qualitative and quantitative data provided by the survey resulted in: capitalisation on the strengths of individual methods while compensating for their weaknesses, a better delineation of issues and understanding of the branch processes, and provision of a solid foundation for design of the intervention workshops. This research design integrates multiple organisational measures to develop instruments suitable for application in other settings where problem definitions are nebulous.

Keywords: multi-method research; military; organisational study; problem definition; complex environment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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DOI: 10.1057/s41274-017-0245-0

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