Exploring the Effectiveness of Action Research as a Tool for Organisational Change
Action research is a form of research that is with, for and by people and communities, rather than on them (Reason & Bradbury 2001). It redefines the relationship between the researcher and the researched, treating all those involved in the endeavour as equal partners. The primary aim of inquiry is to develop ‘genuinely well-informed action in real-time social life’ (Reason & Torbert 2001, p. 5). Action research is increasingly being used in the UK as a tool for change in public sector organisations including the National Health Service (NHS). The NHS is in the midst of a period of great change driven by multiple (sometimes competing) government targets. Little is known about the extent to which a practitioner-led approach such as action research can flourish in a context in which many targets are externally imposed.
Drawing on her own experience as lead investigator in several recent action research studies in UK health care and on the findings from these studies, the author will use this paper to explore the implications of using action research as a tool for organisational change in a context of ‘top-down’ targets.
Keywords: Action Research, Organisational Change
Dr Jackie Bridges
Senior Research Fellow, St Bartholomew School of Nursing & Midwifery, City University
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Ref: M06P0108