Characteristics of action research
The first characteristic is that action research focuses on research in action as opposed to research about action. Action research employs scientific techniques in the study of how to resolve issues affecting organizations and society. It also deals with the participants who are affected by the issues under study. According to the author, action research involves four processes including planning, taking action, evaluating the action and conducting further planning.
The second characteristic of action research is that it is participative. The research subjects actively participate in the process highlighted above. The participation is different from the traditional studies that used the participants as objects of the study. The third characteristic is that action research is concurrent with action. The objective is to ensure that the action is more effective. The research also strives to build a body of knowledge.
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Lastly, action research is a sequence of events as well as an approach to problem-solving. Being a sequence of events involves a process of gathering appropriate data, taking action and conducting an evaluation. The process further leads to data gathering and the cycle continues. As a way of solving problems, it involves the use of scientific approaches to fact-finding in addition to experimenting with practical issues that need to be solved while engaging researchers as well as other stakeholders.
Characteristics of Action Research
Action research has ten unique characteristics that were highlight ted by Gummesson (2000); the firsts and second characteristics are; action researchers take action to make things happen as opposed to observing such happening. Action research has two primary goals which are to address an issue and to generate scientific knowledge. The third characteristic is that action research is interactive in that it needs the cooperation of the researcher and the subject. Similarly, there must be continuous adjustments as new information is obtained. AR is designed to develop a holistic understanding throughout the process in addition to identifying the complexities. The fourth characteristic is that AR strives to develop holistic understanding throughout the process while trying to understand the complexities.
The fifth characteristic is that AR is focused on changing organizations and businesses by understanding, planning and implementing the desired change. The sixth characteristic is that AR also involves ethical consideration including values and norms in a given setting. The seventh characteristic is that AR can incorporate different data gathering approaches and does not preclude any applicable method. The eighth characteristic of AR is that it requires a clear understanding of the corporate environment, the structure and the conditions under which the business is operating. The ninth characteristic is that AR needs to be conducted in real time which can also be done retrospectively. Lastly, AR needs its unique criteria as opposed to using the positivist science.
Pre-steps of Action Research
The pre-step aims at understanding the context as well as the purpose of the study. The key drivers are the rationale for the action and the research. Members of an organization must understand the context of the issue at hand. A client should then decide whether to take action or not. Lastly, the researcher will determine whether the action is worth studying and appropriateness of AR to the case.
Six Main Steps of Action Research
Data gathering is the first step and it involves different approaches that are dictated by the context. The second step is data feedback where the researcher fees the collected data into the system of the client in order to analyze it. The next step is to analyze the data using a collaborative approach. Action planning then follows and is jointly done by the researcher and the client. The fifth step is the implementation of the planned actions and it involves adopting the desired changes while following through the established plans together with the representatives from the client. The sixth step is to evaluate which is all about figuring out whether the outcome of the actions is as intended.
References
Coughlan, P., & Coghlan, D. (2002). Action research for operations management. International Journal o f Operations & Production Management , 22 (2), 220-240. doi: 10.1108/01443570210417515
Gravett, S. (2004). Action research and transformative learning in teaching development. Educational Action Research , 12 (2), 259-272. doi: 10.1080/09650790400200248
Kemmis, S. (2009). Action research as a practice‐based practice. Educational Action Research , 17 (3), 463-474. doi: 10.1080/09650790903093284
