Oral History Interview: John N. Warfield, June 27, 2008

Abstract

This is a telephone-interview conducted by David Houpt Graduate Research Assistant, Special Collections & Archives, University Libraries. Warfield discusses his background in electrical engineering, work with digital and analogue computers, and his tenure at Battelle Memorial Institute. He continues to explain how these experiences led him to develop Interpretive Structural Management (ISM). He also discusses the establishment of the Center for Interactive Management (CIM) at the University of Virginia, and some of its clients CIM. He also touches on the Center’s move to George Mason University. Warfield also describes Interactive Management (IM) and its history, making sure to draw the distinction between IM and the later developed Work Program of Complexity (WPOC). Next, Warfield outlines the preparation that goes into an IM workshop and then describes what takes place during a typical workshop. Warfield also talks about what he believes to be his greatest contribution to scholarship, some the men who influenced his work, and his opinions of the state of higher education in America.