Ravalier PhD Theis.pdf - Anglia Ruskin Research Online

Discussion Box 9: AI & Pragmatism
The current study utilises a series of research methods, with a mix of qualitative and quantitative
approaches constituting the overall make up of the study (see Figure 10 for an overview of the
project structure). Indeed, the project utilised a mixture of surveys and Appreciative Inquiry
techniques in an innovative way, for which pragmatism is the ideal philosophy. Pragmatic
philosophers adopt a stance which argues that the methods used in a research project should
complement the questions and phenomena being researched, while taking into account the
context in which research is being conducted. Within the present study the values and beliefs
inherent in AI are adopted throughout the qualitative element of the research only. By combining
these values with the quantitative element of the study a strong understanding of the ‘stress
situation’ in the organisation can be grasped, thus addressing the research questions in an
effective manner whilst also detailing the importance of a positive change process throughout
this study. Despite this, it is acknowledged that there is potential for conflict between the use of
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1b.6.4) Overview of the Project Process & Structure
Figure 10 depicts the path of the current project. The process begins and ends with all employees within the
PAO given the opportunity to complete a survey (see Section 2a). The survey (Stages 1 and 5) is essential to the
current project for three reasons: it provided a quick response piece of information to the PAO, thus providing the
impetus for employees to carry on with the second phase of work, the log phase. Secondly, the reporting of
quantitative results in a positive manner would fit into the AI assumption of positive messages and dialogue.
Finally, it allowed the researcher to put the organisation into context while also providing a before-and-after change
view of the organisation.
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