AbstractThe transition from centralized command economies to market orientation requires many adaptations of thinking and practice. The question raised by this article is whether social science can make a useful contribution to the adjustment between two incompatible systems of organizing economic life. The first issue is how to handle the propensity to resist change which is based on a natural system preference for predictability and equilibrium. Second, if resistance can be overcome, can social science contribute to the establishment of a new and superior equilibrium? The Motivated Competence Model is outlined as a contribution toward a better utilization of competence. The model is supported by evidence from research on sociotechnical issues and democratic decision‐making procedures. It is argued that while the evidence in support of these practices comes mainly from Western organizations, it includes research in Yugoslavia, and may be especially relevant to the rehabilitation of countries having to make radical change