Revitalizing Management as a Scientific Activity

Abstract

Management is a social practice which is typically informed by conflicting theories and conflicting interpretations of prior experience. Accordingly, the enhancement of management requires a distinctive approach to research which examines the resolution of these conflicts in practice. The convergence of longstanding trends in management enquiry, social theory, and participatory work practices creates a basis for recognizing more explicitly that participatory action research is a suitable approach for research by managers. Participatory action research provides theoretical, practical and organizational principles which enable managers to be more disciplined and more reflective about management practice. Further, by being more explicit about its commitment to being authentic research and to informing social theory and practice more broadly, participatory action research transcends the technicist and theoretically limited practices of quality circles, action learning, and consultant-or client-driven action research.