An assessment of the scientific merits of action research

TLDR

The article critiques positivist science for its inadequacy in solving organizational problems and argues that action research can establish scientific legitimacy through alternative philosophical traditions. The paper introduces action research as a method to address the shortcomings of positivist science. The authors propose criteria and methods that define a scientific framework suitable for action research. Testing action research against positivist criteria shows it fails to satisfy those critical tests.

Abstract

This article describes the deficiencies of positivist science for generating knowledge for use in solving problems that members of organizations face. Action research is introduced as a method for correcting these deficiencies. When action research is tested against the criteria of positivist science, action research is found not to meet its critical tests. The appropriateness of positivist science is questioned as a basis for judging the scientific merits of action research. Action research can base its legitimacy as science in philosophical traditions that are different from those which legitimate positivist science. Criteria and methods of science appropriate to action research are offered.