1. ¹Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) Ltd., Christchurch and Wellington, New Zealand
2. ²Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
3. ³Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
4. ⁴University of Hull, Hull, UK

Correspondence: JL Foote, Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) Ltd., 27 Creyke Road, PO Box 29-181, Christchurch, New Zealand. jeff.foote@esr.cri.nz

Received December 2004; Accepted May 2006; Published online 19 July 2006.

Abstract

Many advocates of problem structuring approaches mix methods to enhance the flexibility and responsiveness of OR practice. A number of 'multi-methodology' approaches have been developed to support practitioners in doing this, and one of these is systemic intervention. A distinguishing feature of systemic intervention is boundary critique: a theory and set of methodological ideas for exploring the inclusion, exclusion and marginalization of both people and issues. This paper argues that boundary critique can enhance the choice and process of application of problem structuring methods. An application of boundary critique is presented to illustrate the argument, focusing on community participation in the management of ongoing water shortages in a small seaside town in New Zealand. The theory of boundary critique helped to reframe people's understanding of a 30-year conflict between the District Council and community. This led to the design of a participative problem structuring workshop, and a way forward was identified that both the District Council and community could accept. Feedback from the workshop participants suggested that the intervention generated valuable results for all the parties involved. The paper concludes with some brief reflections on how the research agenda on boundary critique and problem structuring methods can be progressed into the future.