Action Science and Intervention

Abstract

Individuals, programmed with Model I theories-in-use, often use reasoning processes to diagnose and invent solutions to threatening problems that they then appear to ignore when they act. Moreover, the reasoning processes they use to act contradict the ones they use to diagnose and invent their actions. Individuals, therefore, appear to be disconnected from their reasoning processes, programmed to be so, and unaware of the program that keeps them unaware. This results in behavioral environments composed of escalating error and self-sealing processes that, in turn, leave people feeling helpless. They react by distancing themselves from their personal responsibility and creating an organizational culture to support their behavior. An intervention strategy for beginning to deal with these complex phenomena is described.