With regard to methods, the Institute is founded on two beliefs:-
1. There are no pre-packaged solutions to organisational issues. Every organisation is different and every set of circumstances unique. If the findings and methods of social science are to be useful, they have to be re-worked to fit the specific attributes of the organisation.
2. We cannot work by 'tossing' our recommendations 'over the wall'. The staff of the organisation have knowledge and experience to bring to any debate about its future. It is they who need to develop commitment to any change programme if it is to be a success. We have to work with them to bring about effective change and development.
As a consequence, when the Institute conducts research, consultancy, action research and training, it sets out to:
- work co-operatively with members of organisations in the formulation of critical issues, their study and their management;
- mesh the knowledge and experience of the members with the findings of social science and relevant knowledge and experience from other situations;
- transfer to members of the organisation any skills and insights required to maintain the development or initiate other changes.
