Back and Forward Planning LO3317

Robert E. Rich (rer3@cornell.edu)
Fri, 20 Oct 1995 07:50:50 -0400

Both concepts of planning seem a bit too linear and projective to fit the
current turbulent environment within which planning takes place. Both
approaches seem to rely on problem solving techniques, just in different
directions. We are thinking in terms of puzzlesolving, meaning that the
configuation of the actions and strategies change as each new piece
(action) is put into place. This concept gives rise to the idea of active
adaptive planning where ideal futures have been defined but paths to their
realization are continually formative, taking into account the changes in
the field and emergent nature of the organization itself within the field.
Merrelyn Emery of Australia National University has captured this thinking
in a powerful and comprehensive way in her book Searching which is soon to
be released by the John Benjamins Publishing Company, The Netherlands.

--
Robert E. Rich                    "Cooperation is the law of life...the most 
Cornell University                 deeply rooted theme running through the
358 Warren Road                    success of man(people)."
Ithaca, New York  14850                                        Roderick Gorney
                                                        
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