Tva and the Grass Roots, a Study in the Sociology of Formal Organization, Vol. 3 (Classic Reprint)

Social Science Research Council; and by the cooperation of the Tennessee Valley A uthority, which opened its doors to scientific inquiry with no strings attached. To both of these organizations I am indebted for the opportunity they created. The materials of this inquiry were gathered during 1942-1943. The analysis was not committed to paper until three years later a wholly incidental consequence of the war years. Subsequent developments in the TVA program and organization have not been taken into account. But since the primary interest of the study is in theoretical considerations, the delay is not, perhaps, as consequential as it might otherwise be. On the other hand, the situation within TVA as it was in 1943 represented the close of a decade of its operation, a point to be borne in mind by those interested in TVA shistory for its own sake. The files and the personnel of the Tennessee Valley Authority were the primary sources of research data. The unpublished record has been accorded the same status as personal interview materials, so that sources and quotations cannot always be given specific reference. I have endeavored to protect the anonymity of those in and out of the Authority who have helped me to an understanding of the TVA smethods and program. At the same time, informants on questions of detail have been restricted to those within TVA who have worked on the programs discussed. A check with the written record was made wherever possible. Interviews with officials in Washington and in the Tennessee Valley states were also of assistance. It is hoped that a contribution has been made here toward the evolution of a theory of organization. In that sense, the study is not practical or programmatic. It is believed, however, that a practical relevance will be discerned by those involved in action who must take into account such general relations within an
(Typographical errors above are due to OCR software and don't occur in the book.)