Change Intervention and Consequence: An Exploration of the Process of Intended Change
by Tom Douglas (9781853433764)

Trying to change human behaviour seems to have become a pandemic of our times. A Change Industry has developed, with beneficial objectives and strong moral standards but which uses processes that are to a large extent accepted as articles of faith. Without defining what we mean by 'change' it is difficult to assess the validity of change processes. The most important outcomes of social intervention tend to be those that were never anticipated. The author's principle theme concerns the ignored peripheral and major consequences of intervention in the lives of people, as individuals or as members of groups or organizations.

This is a controversial but scholarly book, challenging practitioners of change, their approach and their claims. It asks them to be more aware of the limitations that exist in attempting to affect change; to be more precise in their definition of change; to be more realistic about base claims for effectiveness and to be more vigilant about consequences. As Tom Douglas points out, more realism means more effective outcomes.

USD $59.50

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