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Behaviouralism has had revolutionary impact on Political Science. It has caused awareness to generate a general theory locating specific units of study. Its emphasis has been to understand man in society and bring about unity in social sciences. Scholars have learnt new modes of analysis and methods of data collection. There is a tendency of cross fertilisation or exchange of knowledge among scholars belonging to various disciplines.
With a common macro theory or frame of reference, modern discipline of Political Science wants to develop a basic science of behaviour. In fact, it has given birth to many behavioural sciences, and has transformed the format of traditional disciplines. It has broadened the scope of Political Science itself.
Apart from heuristic and academic purposes, behaviouralism has a great practical utility, particularly, to bring about social change. It intends to develop modern political theory in a manner that it may be utilised for the purposes of ‘manipulation’ and ‘policy formulation’. Human organisations, human nature, and interactional processes are transforming under the stress of fast developing technology, social growth, industrial and economic progress, cultural proximity in national and international fields, and possibility of human control over ecology.
The transformation has taken place to such an extent that it defies all previous description, analysis, explanations, concepts, and generalisations. Simultaneously, it has to be accepted that in view of the interdisciplinary approach and mutual cooperation, progress of science and technology, capacity and competence of social scientists has also increased, so is their responsibility.
They are being called upon to play the role of change-agents. Solution of each problem is being demanded from them. They have to tell the way to implement the solutions. Behaviouralists have to direct everything about the speed, volume, content and control of change.
All such problems can be categorized for practical use of behaviouralism:
(i) Integration,
(ii) Social influence,
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(iii) Collaboration,
(iv) Adaptation, and
(v) Revitalisation.
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Behaviouralists have done a lot of work on the first three, but have to do much on absorption of fast coming changes as well as in growth and decline of various systems. Little has been done in bringing about planned change; changes are so fast that even available knowledge has not been properly utilised.
Revitalisation of current knowledge, systems, processes, institutions, and norms is an urgent necessity. The behaviouralist accepts his responsibility to contribute his mite and implement his findings for better use. Through him, both creator and user of knowledge have to come together. Behaviouralism, seen with this perspective would appear as a vital scientific philosophy, and the only basis of human survival.