‘Magic’ and a voluntary organization: The implications for community OR

‘Magic’ is an area of creativity that is essential to the life and maintenance of an organization. This paper seeks to define ‘magic’, viewing it in the context of a voluntary organization-a Well Woman Centre in Calderdale. From the evidence of a case study, it is argued that ‘magic’ is particularly at risk when new procedures, or an expansion of procedures, are introduced. ‘Magic’ must be recognized and strategies formulated to preserve it; this is perceived to be commensurate with the aims of community Operational Research OR.