The paper revisits the theoretical framework used for an action research using GSS and Core Values Methodology, CVM. The CVM is what systems designers such as Checkland would call 'soft' or process-oriented. It is an interpretive methodology and the natural ontology and epistemology seemed to be constructivist and interpretivist respectively. When planning for and reflecting on a subsequent study (Unwritten Ground Rules), the possibilities offered by GSS were closely scrutinized. The qualities of immediacy, authenticity and contradictability had already been identified. What had not been given enough attention were the social constructions of reality taking place during the discuss/organize phase of GSS. If, as, writers on hermeneutics and social constructionism suggest; people talk their world views (and values is an important artifact) into being, and if these conversations can be facilitated in an efficient and yet self protective way; then research could be designed to optimize social interaction within the GSS setting. The re-theorizing informed the UGR study and resulted in data collection methods designed to give social voice to the respondents.
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