Capturing the imprecision during an OR intervention: What is, what isn't and what should be

Being rigorous is in part about knowing what we can and can't do. For example, we can't always model what is important with precision. The degree of precision is likely to vary over three dimensions of Community Operational Research: the qualitative, the quantitative and the ethical. To encourage coherence, the three dimensions can be mapped onto a common systemic framework. In this three dimensional approach, community is viewed as a multi-level dynamic. Two other interwoven dynamics are very evident: authority and exchange, which are often manifested as state and market. Each of the dynamics can be understood as a continuum from personal attitudes through social beliefs and practices to formal social enterprises. The social enterprises produced by the interaction of the dynamics are hybrids, some of which are primarily understood as communities. This dynamic view is explored in relation to a set of theories of community, and the implications for practice are discussed in the context of Community Operational Research and the log-frame approach. The mapping of ethics is then discussed, and the technique is applied to a community event: a threat by doctors to go on strike. The accessibility of the approach is then demonstrated, and the role of experts briefly explored. In conclusion, it is suggested that, as this technique emerged from practice and has been located in a variety of theoretical contexts, the next step could be formal evaluation through action research.