An opinion paper.

The rehabilitation of visually impaired persons can be conceptualized by a human systems approach. This paper explaines seven levels of human systems, related factors, and 10 assumptions that lead to high standards for rehabilitation workers and organizations. The concepts are applied to work with clients and use in rehabilitation agencies.…

Training and development professionals may want to evaluate the implications of the conflict-reducing mechanisms that are imbedded within a Theory Z culture before recommending this approach to their corporate leadership. (JOW)

The concept of ideology is discussed. An evaluation design that is based on values and ideologies is advocated so that it can be applied to services in different categories and still produce valid comparisons. (Author/AL)

Presents a framework for examining the consulting relationship which includes four consultation models; and identifies and discusses two dimensions of the instructional developer's task environment that may influence the use of these models. Results and implications of a study using the framework are reported. (Author/JEG)

Defines human performance technology (HPT) as systems thinking applied to human resource activities, chronicles the emergence of HPT and the development of the HPT process model, and considers its use to define and implement high-performance work systems in information age organizations. (Author/LRW)

Emphasizes the important contributions of systems theory in the supervision process. A case study is used to illustrate how attention to the systemic contexts of the client, the supervisee, and the supervision process itself enlarge the possibilities for helpful change. The unifying themes of many systems theories are identified, and techniques…

Describes seven important characteristics of the performance environment that can affect a performance outcome. Topics discussed include the performance environment as an open system, performance variables that can affect outcomes, how performance can be improved, and how performance variables are interrelated. (LRW)

Reviews several general conceptual models that facilitate consultant's conceptual work. Notes that fundamental to effectiveness of consultation is consultant's ability to empower consultees conceptually. Presents and discusses several principles related to achieving this objective. Concludes with discussion targeted to objective of integrating…

Describes several approaches that could be used to test methods of promoting community, including initially using simple group and single-system research designs, operationally defining concepts, developing practical ways to measure these concepts, and focusing on evaluating the outcomes (and not the processes) of promoting a sense of community.…

The planning wheel considers the interaction of six components of program planning. Within a macro/micro systems approach, the model incorporates internal and external forces that influence economic development by capturing political, social, cultural, technological, and economic forces. (SK)

Examines a sample of the frameworks used to model human performance in organizations with respect to change orientation, theoretical basis, organizational results level, unit of analysis, and performance analysis. Contrasts organizational system and performance system frameworks with systematic process models of performance improvement. (Contains…

Knowledge management depends on understanding organizations as three-dimensional systems or environments with mechanistic, organic, and dynamic features. Knowledge managers must understand the nature of chaos and the methods and culture that use the ability of chaos to organize itself. (Contains 36 references.) (SK)