Page 125 - Crossing Cultural Boundaries - Cees den Teuling

Goals of Action Research
Quality / Validity Criteria
The generation of new knowledge
Dialogue and process validity
The achievement of action-oriented outcomes
Outcome validity
The education of both the researcher and participants’
Catalytic validity
Results there are relevant to the local setting
Democratic validity
A sound and appropriate research methodology
Process validity
In the study at hand and the research based on the AR framework the validation is connected with the implementation of the “spiral of AR cycle”.
Outcome Validity: the results should be evaluated against other criteria, leading to the study’s problem resolution and action-oriented outcomes. In underlying research, focus is directed to the presentation of practical results.
Process Validity: the problems of continuous learning for individuals and organisations should be solved and framed, based on an appropriate research methodology. In the study at hand, the processes of evolutionary, engaged education for both involved practitioners and researchers, for individuals and organisations, are directed to acclaim sustainable creation of knowledge over a period of time.
Democratic Validity: the extents of collaboration in the study should be exercised, with all participants having a fair share in researching and investigation of the problem at hand, leading to a relevant solution for the near environment. Focus in this research is on the requirement and involvement of all concerned stakeholders (participants) to honour their perspectives and interests.
Catalytic Validity: both participants and the researchers in an AR process should be receptive to the reorientation of their views on reality and on their roles. Educational development for all stakeholders, gaining a deepened understanding of organisational reality and a clear view on their own position, should be a fundamental approach to AR. In this study, new ways to knowledge are explored, besides the development of conceptual designs and the connections between different directions of “knowing”.
Dialogic Validity: AR should be carried out exclusively in a collaborative manner to ensure both participative and dialogic validity. Generation, development and
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