Creatively expanding research from work-based learning

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the potential of creativity in work-based research and practice to yield deeper understanding of practice situations. Unexpected insights can lead one (or a team) to identify new approaches, tackling workplace issues differently, leading to unexpected outcomes of long-term impact.Design/methodology/approachThis paper draws on work conducted for a doctoral thesis, investigating the impact of work-based learning for recent masters graduates of a work-based learning programme. Fiction was incorporated into analysis of the data, creating play scripts to represent key aspects of the researcher's perceptions and interpretations for each participant.FindingsResearch participants experienced personal, professional and organisational impact, although there was considerable variability between individuals. Additionally, societal impact was wished for and/or effected. The approach to representation of analysis, which involved fictionalising participants' experiences, created a strong Thirdspace liminality. This appeared to deepen awareness and understanding.Research limitations/implicationsSuch approaches can transform the researcher's perspective, prompting insights which lead to further adventure and development in work-based research and practice.Practical implicationsManagers and employees taking creative approaches in the workplace can prompt wide-ranging development and, with professional judgement, be constructive.Social implicationsManagers and employees taking creative approaches in the workplace can prompt wide-ranging development and, with professional judgement, be constructive.Originality/valueThe creation of play scripts, representing an interpretation of participants' stories about their work-based learning experience, is an innovative feature of this work.