A review of the theoretical and empirical literature representing the areas of organizational psychology and systems theory is presented. Organizational characteristics and processes are identified which are applicable for management training and which address organizational functioning. Literature was reviewed according to an empirically-derived six-factor taxonomy. The factors were: 1) multidimensional information processing, (2) organizational systems dynamics (3) organizational change technologies, 4) management authority/compliance characteristics, 5) organizational coordination, and (6) goal orientation. Research pertaining to industrial, academic and military organizations is included. It was concluded that simulation appears to be an appropriate methodology for controlled experimentation with organizations.
Unique requirements of traininq-oriented simulations are discussed. Eleven general research needs are identified for possible consideration in developing an organizational test bed.
