Reflections on Professional Cynicism in Education and the Management of Education Organisations: an exploratory action research approach

Abstract

This paper describes an exploratory approach to action research which is both critical and emancipatory. The approach, which was used to examine the phenomenon of organisational cynicism, was based on a collaborative, democratic group process with an implicit micropolitical agenda. A 'weekly triple rotating fax' method is explained and discussed as a potential format for action research. The method described has the potential to bridge the gap between the researcher and the object being researched to a considerable extent. It connects the research process to past, present and future professional practice.