Action Research

Description of Action Research. Explanation.

Definition Action Research. Description.

Action Research (AR) is a (typically cyclic or spiral) process for planning change interventions and for intentional learning from experience, first described by social psychologist Kurt Lewin ('46) .

The method is characterized by intervention in real world systems, followed by close scrutiny of the effects.

The aim of AR aim is to improve practice, and AR is typically conducted by a combined team of practitioners and researchers.

AR can also be described as the process by which practitioners attempt to study their problems scientifically in order to guide, correct, and evaluate their decisions and actions. (Stephen Corey, 1953). Or more simply, as researching on the implications or effect of an action that is planned to resolve a certain problem.

It is an informal, qualitative, interpretive, reflective, collaborative and experimental methodology that requires all the participants to be collaborative researchers. AR is usually carried out by people who recognize a problem or limitation in their workplace situation and, together, devise a plan to counteract the problem, implement the plan, observe what happens, reflect on these outcomes, revise the plan, implement it, reflect, revise and so on.

In a way the AR method combines the strengths of academic research (objective, scientific, but not necessarily relevant) and consulting research (often subjective and case-based, often not very scientific, but tuned towards relevancy).

The Action Research Process

In its original form, AR was a three-step spiral process of 1. planning which involves reconnaissance; 2. taking actions; and 3. fact-finding about the results of the action. (Kurt Lewin, 1947)

A present-day action research cycle could have the following steps:

Data Collection > Evaluation > Action > Critical Reflection > Data Collection > Evaluation > ...
Planning (definition of the problem research practices) > Acting (implementation) > Observing (action and data collection) > Reflecting (developing revised action derived from what has been learned) > ... (Kemmis and McTaggart (1988).

Action Research Forum (7)

Action Research Takes Place in a COMMUNITY
In addition to what others have offered, action research involves identifying a problem within a community and mobilizing the community to collectively discuss the causes and to collectively seek solutions to address the problem.
In action research, both the researcher and the programme beneficiaries or target group are both learners and researchers. Action that leads to improvement follows the research. Data collection and analyses are collectively done.

What is the Influence of Action Research on Organizational Performance?
Context: There's a rising number of universities, hence students have many choices, leading to some universities facing low student enrollments.
I argue that if Action Research (AR) is used then a culture (tacit) will be created that is very difficult to be imitated (collaborative element, improvement element).
The objectives of a study I'm preparing are set to find out the influence of action research on organizational performance and competitive advantage.
Variables for AR: Continuous Improvement; Employee fulfillment; Collaborative Process; Customer Focus; Standardization of Reforms.
Variables for CA: Superior resources, Superior position, Superior skills.
Performance: Faculty and students consequently leading to being a preferred university hence deal with competition.

Action Research as a Basis for Making Decisions
Action research is simply defined as researching on the implications or effect of an action that is planned to resolve a certain problem.
As such anyone who goes into research should be able to:
- Clearly identify the problem after scrutinizing the different symptoms leading to the non-attainment of objectives.
- After quantifying or qualifying and identifying the different possible alternatives, then decide as to what is the most probable solution.
- Act on the decision then start planning after which do the right things and do things right.
- Check or assess and evaluate the results after which again you must act to improve the system.

Action Research in Universities
I want to do a PhD in action research and sustainable competitive advantage.. My possible title is action research as an intangible asset for sustainable competitive advantage in catholic institutes of higher learning of Kenya. My assumption is that action research is very important and if embraced, organizations should improve. This is organizational learning and a step towards Kaizen. However, I am also confused whether this can really be researched on.
Do you have any tips or experiences? Thanks--

Action Research is About What Works in the Real World
What I like about action research is that it appears to be about doing what works in the real world. Find out what is likely to work, do it, refine it...
The most 'attractive' aspect for me is the zero or little place for theories, ideologies, or principles, which are often 'selectively substantiated biases' anyway.
On the other hand, one trouble though: what about the legitimacy of action research without reference to any 'established' frameworks?

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