Full Title
STUDI ORGANIZZATIVI
Publisher
FrancoAngeli
ISSN
0391-8769 (Printed Journal)
1972-4969 (Online Journal)
Journal Issue Number
2
Journal Issue Designation
2
Journal Issue Date
2022
Full Title
An assessment of the scientific merits of action research
By (author)
First Page
135
Last Page
161
Language of text
English
Publication Date
2023/01
Copyright
2022FrancoAngeli srl
Introduction or preface
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.
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