Action Research: Rethinking Lewin

Abstract

Fifty years after Kurt Lewin invented the idea of action research, action research remains an umbrella term for a host of activities intended to foster change on the group, organizational, and even societal levels. This article explores both historical and contemporary definitions of action research and describes the process and goals of action research. Located in the tradition of Lewin, organizational action research involves cross-functional teams who address deep-rooted organizational issues through recurring cycles of action and reflection. A case example of an action research project involving two teams in a high technology corporation depicts the process in action.