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Developing Initial Middle Range Theories in Realist Evaluation: A Case of an Organisational Intervention

Author

Listed:
  • Hamid Roodbari

    (Institute for Work Psychology, Sheffield University Management School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK)

  • Karina Nielsen

    (Institute for Work Psychology, Sheffield University Management School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK)

  • Carolyn Axtell

    (Institute for Work Psychology, Sheffield University Management School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK)

  • Susan E. Peters

    (Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
    Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA)

  • Glorian Sorensen

    (Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
    Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA)

Abstract

(1) Background: Realist evaluation is a promising approach for evaluating organisational interventions. Crucial to realist evaluation is the development and testing of middle range theories (MRTs). MRTs are programme theories that outline how the intervention mechanisms work in a specific context to bring about certain outcomes. To the best of our knowledge, no organisational intervention study has yet developed initial MRTs. This study aimed to develop initial MRTs based on qualitative evidence from the development phase of an organisational intervention in a large multi-national organisation, the US food service industry. (2) Methods: Data were collected through 20 semi-structured interviews with the organisation′s managers, five focus groups with a total of 30 employees, and five worksite observations. Template analysis was used to analyse data. (3) Results: Four initial MRTs were developed based on four mechanisms of participation, leadership commitment, communication, and tailoring the intervention to fit the organisational context to formulate ‘what may work for whom in which circumstances?’ in organisational interventions; (4) Conclusions: Our findings provide insights into ‘how’ and ‘which’ initial MRTs can be developed in organisational interventions.

Suggested Citation

  • Hamid Roodbari & Karina Nielsen & Carolyn Axtell & Susan E. Peters & Glorian Sorensen, 2021. "Developing Initial Middle Range Theories in Realist Evaluation: A Case of an Organisational Intervention," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-17, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:16:p:8360-:d:610079
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Irene Niks & Jan De Jonge & Josette Gevers & Irene Houtman, 2018. "Work Stress Interventions in Hospital Care: Effectiveness of the DISCovery Method," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-20, February.
    2. Glorian Sorensen & Susan Peters & Karina Nielsen & Eve Nagler & Melissa Karapanos & Lorraine Wallace & Lisa Burke & Jack T. Dennerlein & Gregory R. Wagner, 2019. "Improving Working Conditions to Promote Worker Safety, Health, and Wellbeing for Low-Wage Workers: The Workplace Organizational Health Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-16, April.
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