The Evaluative Study of Action Research

The Evaluative Study of Action Research presents all eight published papers as part of the six-year, global, Evaluative Study of Action Research (ESAR) in one volume. The study sought to enhance the academic rigour of Action Research (AR) and provide greater evidence of its impact.

This research contained in this book shows, in a cohesive way, how the ESAR exemplifies original research incorporating new methodologies to create new knowledge. An Evaluative AR framework and indicators were created for initial qualitative data collection with six initial case studies using interviews, survey, documentary analysis, and Goal Attainment Scaling methods. The initial study was followed by a large-scale mixed method survey with 174 projects from across the globe. Almost all projects exhibited positive elements linked to AR precursors (focus clarification, stakeholder engagement, funding), processes (phased, planned yet flexible activity, data collection and analysis, ongoing collaboration and leadership), and outcomes/impacts (change, knowledge mobilisation and continuing action). The results of the ESAR, elaborated in this volume, offer important indications for how to create the sort of respectful engagement that is required for collective strength in solution based, innovative, change.

This book will be a valuable resource for: action researchers throughout the world; postgraduate research students, academics and libraries; evaluators; and anyone in communities who wishes to know how to create sustainable change.

Eileen Piggot-Irvine is an Adjunct Professor of Leadership at Royal Roads University, Canada, and Griffith University, Australia. She has published 7 books, 72 refereed journal articles, 25 keynotes, and too many presentations to note. She is chief editor of the ALARA Monograph Series, has directed 11 New Zealand research contracts using an AR methodology and won a national Canadian grant to lead the Evaluative Study of Action Research (ESAR) – the focus of this book.

Lesley Ferkins is Professor of Sport Leadership and Governance at Auckland University of Technology and Director of the AUT Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ). As an action researcher, Lesley works closely with sport organisations to develop governance and leadership capability. She has over 60 peer-reviewed publications.

Wendy Rowe is a Professor and founder of the MA in Global Leadership Program at Royal Roads University, Canada, teaching and doing research in areas of strategic leadership, collaborative partnerships, organizational change, program evaluation, action research and research methods. She has over 56 peer reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Shankar Sankaran used action research for his PhD while implementing a large- scale change in an engineering operation in Singapore. He has published refereed papers, books and book chapters on the application of action research, action learning and action science and supervises doctoral students applying action research as their methodology.