The `Action Training and Research' method of organizational development, pioneered by Neely Gardner in the 1960's, has become a classic methodology in public administration. The authors have presented the power of Gardner's work in the form of a training manual that takes account of modern practice and scholarly thought.

Changing Organizations addresses key current concerns including: how to change hierarchically structured public organizations whose management is rigidly vested in the status quo; the changeover to participative management; and the devolution of management power in the organization to promote innovation, adaptation to customers' changing needs, efficiency as well as clear-headed and practical decision making.