Deetz specializes in the study of human interaction and decision making focusing on organization change and development and the decision contexts resting between commercial, civic and governmental organizations. His studies of organizations and communities have provided a theoretical understanding of governance and decision making with the intent of promoting a more in-depth understanding of various collaborative interaction designs, organizational forms and encouraging the exploration of alternative more collaborative communication practices, especially inter-sector practices, that allow greater democracy, higher quality decisions, and more productive collaboration among stakeholders. Specifically he currently is working the institutionalization of innovations in STEM education and safety culture in nuclear power plants.
keywords
Organizational change and development, collaborative decision making, human interaction design, organizational communication, communication theory, peace and conflict studies, community development, governance