An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Dialectical Inquiry Systems

Numerous quantitative planning models have been developed and successfully applied to facilitate the solutions of relatively well-structured problems. Unfortunately, qualitative models and techniques, particularly those applicable to ill-structured problems, are less well developed. One technique advocated by some researchers is the Dialectical Inquiry System (DIS), a planning process premised on Hegelian logic. Limited field studies have reported generally positive reactions toward DIS, but have not demonstrated that the DIS technique leads to improvement in objective performance or to more effective plans. This study reports the results of a controlled methodology that examines the effects of DIS on performance and participant attitudes. The results reveal that even though the conflict component of DIS was perceived as more useful in one instance, in general the DIS did not lead to significantly better objective performance when compared to alternative planning approaches. Given the risk and cost involved in organizational planning, further research should be conducted to evaluate the merit of the DIS.