A Methodological Approach to the Problem of Administrative Control in Human Service Organizations

Students of delivery systems in education and the other human services are making increasing use of concepts drawn from organization technology, control theory, and human system design. These concepts are frequently integrated in computer simulation models where alternative management decisions, policies, and organization structures can be tested prior to implementation. The authors explore the direction of this development and point to potential areas of application and research. The central theme of the article is one of control and the relationship between control, structure, and workflow of human service organizations.