Normative Action Research

Abstract

This paper presents an argument for an enrichment of action research method ology. To the current state of action research, we add a constructivist epistemo logical argument, as well as a crucial inspiration from some futures-oriented planning approaches. Within the domain of social/organizational research, the futures perspective implies that knowledge of the social/organizational world must be based upon images of desirable futures, so-called 'futures theories', not causal descriptions of a problematic present. Futures theories identify ends and means for individual and organizational development. They are generated jointly by the stakeholders of a system and the involved action researchers and are tested every time that the prescriptions for action contained in them are followed by a system's stakeholders.