RESEARCH METHOD COHEN ok

306 ACTION RESEARCH
Box 14.1
Amodelofemancipatoryactionresearchfororganizationalchange
Reflect on the
results and draw
conclusions
Clearly
(re-) define
a business plan
Monitor the
whole
revitalization
process
revise
reflect
plan
unfreeze
Develop
shared
vision
Get feedback
on draft
policies,
systems and
structures
refreeze
observe
act
move
Provide
strong
leadership
Action research model
Force field model
Task alignment model
Institutionalize
revitalization through
formal policies,
systems and
structures
Spread shared
vision to all
departments
Source: Zuber-Skerritt 1996b: 99
8 Continue until you are satisfied with that
aspect of your work (e.g. repeat the cycle).
Sagor (2005: 4) sets out a straightforward fourstep
model of action research:
1 Clarify vision and targets.
2 Articulate appropriate theory.
3 Implement actionand collectdata.
4 Reflectonthedataandplaninformedaction.
Another approach is to set out a seven-step model:
1 Decide and agree one common problem that
you are experiencing or need that must be
addressed.
2 Identify some causesof the problem (need).
3 Brainstorm a range of possible practical
solutions to the problem, to address the real
problem and the real cause(s).
4 From the range of possible practical solutions
decide one of the solutions to the problem,
perhaps what you consider to be the most
suitable or best solution to the problem. Plan
how to put the solution into practice.
5 Identify some ‘success criteria’ by which you
will be able to judge whether the solution
has worked to solve the problem, i.e. how
will you know whether the proposed solution,
when it is put into practice, has been
successful. Identify some practical criteria
that will tell you how successful the project
has been.