Preoccupation with process has been obscuring the real management objective of increasing effectiveness and the ability of organizations to cope with rapidly changing situations. (Author)

Using a ring-tossing exercise the authors show how data can be gathered to show how group pressures alter behavior, how to go about setting realistic goals, and what factors go into goal setting; or to demonstrate the role of worker participation in goal setting. (NL)

The fable illustrates the manager's need for consideration without judgment of not only the elements of organizational ineffectiveness but also the inter-relation of elements. Identifying all elements and all relationships in a problem situation is essential. (Author/DS)