Citation

Cox GB, Osborne PS. Eval. Program Plann. 1980; 3(3): 175-183.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1980, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0149-7189(80)90021-X

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article reports on the results of a preliminary study on the characteristics of problems and problem solving in mental health centers. The major findings were that directors were generally quite satisfied both with the available level of information intended to help them make decisions, and with their ability to make good, even optimal, decisions. Much of this confidence resulted from the use of assumptions about the problems which reduced the need for empirical information. The problem solving process was highly dynamic and interactive, with changes over time in the characteristics of problems, constraints and alternative solutions. The directors played an active role in attempting to foster and influence the direction of many of these instabilities. Some implications for evaluation and research are discussed.