This is a proposal for a two-day conference on state-of-the-art methods for longitudinal field research on organizational adaptation, change, innovation, and design. The conference will bring together established scholars and young investigators to explore alternative methods for research on organizational processes. The conference will provide a useful and much needed codification and critique of current field work methods. The conference will be held in September, 1988. Despite the importance of studies of organizational adaptation, change, innovation, and design, little effort has been spent in critically reviewing alternative methods for investigating these processes. This unique and innovative conference will include presentations and tutorials by leading researchers on five major methodological approaches. These approaches will be critiqued and evaluated by a group of expert discussants. It is expected that the conference proceedings will be published as a special issue of one of the leading scientific journals on organizational research.
