Turning practically: broadening the horizon

Abstract

The purpose of this position paper is to trigger a discussion on different methods that can be used to produce change and to support development through reflecting back practices to the practitioners. Our aim is to discuss their similarities and differences and how these methods fit within the broader horizon of engaged research. We do this by relating the discussion to the current "turn to practice" within organisation and management studies (Gherardi, 2001;Miettinen, Samra-Fredericks, & Yanow, 2009; Nicolini, Gherardi, & Yanow, 2003;Nicolini, 2009). We present a preliminary sketch of the kinds of approaches we believe need to be included and related in order to fully see the potentials, the limitations, and the significance of a practical turn and practice based theorizing within social research. We do this because all these kinds of approaches are normally not gathered and discussed together in relation to each other, and because we think they should. We're pleading for a broad and inclusive but also critical exchange and dialogue, and hopefully this short introduction can at least suggest some reasons why and how. Without providing final answers, then, we want to raise a few questions about the meaning of "turning to practice" and "practice based studies" when addressing the issue of reflection. What does it mean for social

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