OR enactment: The theatrical metaphor as an analytic framework

Theatre provides a powerful metaphor to support thinking about human interactions in organizations. This paper indicates how a dramaturgical approach can illuminate what goes on in Operational Research OR interventions (as well as, incidentally providing guidance in their prosecution). This perspective emphasizes aspects of the conduct of the work done with clients that are too easily neglected, and helps to anticipate how things may turn out. It has a critical bearing upon the practice of Operational Research OR and upon the training of Operational Research OR practitioners.