How to Develop an Impactful Action Research Program: Insights and Lessons from a Case Study

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“…Hence, this research was driven by problems observed in the company under study during Phase I of the research program, with the main interest of achieving an in-depth understanding of complex organizational dynamics. The inductive, theory-building approach was chosen for this research program as it is more appropriate in such circumstances (Saunders et al, 2011). It implies an intimate understanding of the research context and a more flexible research structure (Saunders et al, 2011).…”

“…The inductive, theory-building approach was chosen for this research program as it is more appropriate in such circumstances (Saunders et al, 2011). It implies an intimate understanding of the research context and a more flexible research structure (Saunders et al, 2011).…”

“…interpretative process with the goal of making sense of data and raising it to a higher conceptual level (Saunders et al, 2011). This strategy can provide particularly rich results in a context where there is a desire to close the research-practice gap by testing different theoretical approaches in practice, observing their consequences, and adjusting the approach to the specific context of a case company.…”

“…The implication of practitioners in the research can help narrow this gap (Schein, 1999). This can be done through action research (Saunders et al, 2011). The goal of action research is not to test hypotheses or develop generalizable results (Hlady-Rispal, 2016; Saunders et al, 2011).…”

“…The goal of action research is not to test hypotheses or develop generalizable results (Hlady-Rispal, 2016; Saunders et al, 2011). Rather, it serves to deepen researchers' understanding of complex human interactions and helps them develop new research propositions and conceptual frameworks to be tested and validated in future research (Saunders et al, 2011). In doing so, action research not only serves the research community but also builds bridges to close the research-practice gap by working on the two limitations mentioned above, as follows:…”