Action research and participation
Vikki Uhlmann
This is a resource file which supports the regular public program "areol" (action research and evaluation on line) offered twice a year beginning in mid-February and mid-July. For details email Bob Dick bdick@scu.edu.au or bd@uq.net.au
... in which Vikki Uhlmann sets out some reasons why, for her, participation in action research is essential
Why should action research have participation as a basic element?
The difference between action research and other forms of research. It is said that one of the basic differences between action research and other forms of research is the requirement for real change to occur as a consequence of the action research which is being undertaken.
My argument is that for real change to occur, participation by the people actually in the situation under research or affected by the outcomes (stakeholders) also has to occur.
What do I mean by real change?
By real change I mean workable, equitable and sustainable outcomes i.e. that the change works, it is fair and it will last.
For success in these 3 elements, I argue that participation by the stakeholders is essential because:
- they are familiar
with the situation under research so they are able to identify
the initial presenting issues very clearly
- they know the
history and can tell you what has been tried, and what might be
culturally acceptable
- they are able to act
themselves and to intimately evaluate solutions as to their
suitability for their particular environment
- they will be there
after my involvement in the research is complete and will be
able to progress the actions because they will have learnt
about the issues along the way
- they will have
developed relationships along the way which will assist in
progressing the actions
- finally, I believe
in the old saying that "two heads are better than one".
And it has been my repeated experience that stakeholders can
often come up with a better solution together than any one of
us would have separately
This is a working paper. Let me know what you think !
Vikki Uhlmann
vuhlm@powerup.com.au
NEXUS AUSTRALIA
helping people work together
419 Newbeith Rd Greenbank Qld 4124
Ph: (07) 200 0754 Fax: (07) 200 0733 Mobile 015 172 369
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Copyright (c) Vikki Uhlmann 1995.
This document can be cited as follows:
Uhlmann, V. (1995)
Action research and participation [On line].
Available at
http://www.uq.net.au/action_research/arp/partic.html
