A World with Limitations

In the years since World War II, the primary focus of applied behavioral science has been on improving organizational functioning. The following article expresses an interest in directing research and practice toward the limitations inherent in human experience, toward realities of organizational and societal life that cannot be controlled, improved, or corrected. After examining examples of individual, organizational, and societal limitations, the article begins a discussion of three questions: Can we accept the existence of these limits? If we accept them, how do we live (practice, study, teach, manage) alongside them? Can we use behavioral science knowledge to help individuals, groups, and instittions manage continuous limitation as well as continuous improvement?