Social Psychology and Performative Interventions in Human Systems. The GENERATIVE Method

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to describe the GENERATIVE method, a methodology for promoting change in human systems (i.e., contexts involving human interactions, such as organizations, communities, institutions). The first part of the paper is focused on the description of the interactionist and constructionist epistemological background adopted. The second is dedicated to the presentation of human systems as socially constructed realities. The third part is dedicated to the description of the three recursive steps of the GENERATIVE methodology: The system analysis, the negotiation and redefinition of goals and the pragmatic intervention. Finally, the presentation of the methodological steps is critically discussed in order to show how this methodology is particularly useful and effective in promoting change in human systems. The paper aims to provide insights and guidelines to professionals, practitioners and consultants working in contexts involving human interactions.