This autobiographical account describes the evolution of the author's research interests and methods of inquiry. Early life experiences at home, in school, and the Peace Corps are discussed in terms of their impact on his professional life. Initial research and consulting work as a graduate student raised issues that reappeared in the author's experiences as a young faculty member and later as a researcher and consultant in organizational aspects of social change and development in international settings. The following four concerns emerge as major themes of the author's life and work: social development and social justice; using action research to solve specific problems and develop new ideas; working at the interfaces among different groups, organizations, and cultures; and using multiple levels of analysis to understand social dynamics and problems.
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