Inquiry‐and‐intervention in systems planning: Probing methodological rationalities

Inquiry and intervention towards improving systems planning are argued in this paper to be inseparable features of the same process. The formula “comprehension=application” is explored to evoke possibilities for inquiry‐and‐intervention which transcend the confines of any given theory‐practice cycle. It is suggested that the partiality of a uni‐theoretical response may be replaced by judgements grounded in discursive accountability. This is not tantamount to validation through respect for “the evidence” of practice (for this still may be caught up in the same cycle); nor is it tantamount to consensual validation (for judgements do not always rest on agreements—indeed agreement as a form of social planning may itself become stifling of diversity and choice). A notion of discursive accountability is outlined in this paper and it is proposed that systems planning becomes enriched insofar as knowledge‐judgements are seen to rest on processes of discursive accountability.

Keywords:

• inquiry
• intervention
• planning
• reflexivity
• choice
• accountability