How to design, implement and evaluate organizational interventions for maximum impact: the Sigtuna Principles

Ulrica von Thiele Schwarz, Karina Nielsen, Kasper Edwards, Henna Hasson, Christine Ipsen, Carl Savage, Johan Simonsen Abildgaard, Anne Richter, Caroline Lornudd, Pamela Mazzocato, Julie E. Reed

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Abstract

Research on organizational interventions needs to meet the objectives of both researchers and participating organizations. This duality means that real-world impact has to be considered throughout the research process, simultaneously addressing both scientific rigour and practical relevance. This discussion paper aims to offer a set of principles, grounded in knowledge from various disciplines that can guide researchers in designing, implementing, and evaluating organizational interventions. Inspired by Mode 2 knowledge production, the principles were developed through a transdisciplinary, participatory and iterative process where practitioners and academics were invited to develop, refine and validate the principles. The process resulted in 10 principles: 1) Ensure active engagement and participation among key stakeholders; 2) Understand the situation (starting points and objectives); 3) Align the intervention with existing organizational objectives; 4) Explicate the program logic; 5) Prioritize intervention activities based on effort-gain balance; 6) Work with existing practices, processes, and mindsets; 7) Iteratively observe, reflect, and adapt; 8) Develop organizational learning capabilities; 9) Evaluate the interaction between intervention, process, and context; and 10) Transfer knowledge beyond the specific organization. The principles suggest how the design, implementation, and evaluation of organizational interventions can be researched in a way that maximizes both practical and scientific impact.
Original languageEnglish
JournalEuropean Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology
Volume30
Issue number3
Pages (from-to)415-427
ISSN1464-0643
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

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