Post-Occupancy Evaluation and Implicit Theories of Organizational Decision-Making

In this paper it is argued that the technical model adopted in many post-occupancy evaluations involves implicit theories of organizational decision-making. Whereas these theories seem to be appropriate in some situations--where objectives and values remain relatively stable and decisions are made by well-defined groups with clear authority. for example--the theories are incomplete or inaccurate in more complex and changeable situations. A POE program by the California Department of Corrections is discussed and some implications for other POE programs are suggested.