PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF SYSTEMS MODELS AND ACTION RESEARCH: TRAINING AND ORGANIZATIONAL RENEWAL

Transportation agencies, like most public organizations today, are undergoing rapid and major changes that challenge their ability to adapt and function effectively. The University of Massachusetts/Institute for Governmental Services, training unit for the Massachusetts Department of Public Works (MDPW), has been helping MDPW meet the challenge of organizational survival and renewal. The use of systems models to understand the impact of change on MDPW, guide development of strategies for providing training to an organization in transition, and help MDPW personnel rebuild their capacity to cope with change is discussed. The Kotter organization dynamics model, a descriptive model that trainers used to gather information about MDPW and analyze the impacts of change on MDPW as an organizational system, is reviewed. The organization states model, a prescriptive model that proposes that trainers and managers must modify their usual problem-solving strategies when working with an organization in crisis, as was MDPW, is outlined. Using the models helped trainers establish the credibility and responsiveness of the program and secured the support of MDPW managers. To develop and deliver training, trainers used action research as their operational approach to working with MDPW experts, managers, and line staff and with FHWA officials. Action research stimulated organizational problem solving and change and assured that training met changing needs. How trainers have been delivering training to MDPW has been as important to organizational renewal as what training is offered.

• Record URL:
  • http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1984/980/980-019.pdf
• Summary URL:
  • https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=PRACTICAL+APPLICATION+OF+SYSTEMS+MODELS+AND+ACTION+RESEARCH%3A+TRAINING+AND+ORGANIZATIONAL+RENEWAL&author=M.+Harrison&author=A.+Margolis&publication_year=1984
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/030903762X
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved. Publication of this paper sponsored by Committee on Transportation Education and Training.
• Authors:
  • Harrison, Mary A
  • Margolis, Arlene E
• Publication Date: 1984

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: pp 122-131
• Monograph Title: Techniques for making key transportation decisions
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record
  • Issue Number: 980
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Development; Education; Human resources management; Motor skills; Professional personnel; Simulation; Training; Transportation operations; Transportation planning
• Uncontrolled Terms: Human resources
• Old TRIS Terms: Transportation administration
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Education and Training; Highways; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; I10: Economics and Administration;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00450536
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 030903762X
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Nov 30 1985 12:00AM