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Action Research Environments: Challenges for their Initiation and Sustainability

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Morten Levin once described action research using the metaphor of a “Janus face” (Levin 2012 ). He explained that “one face views the incredible strength of having lived the field through involvement in a continuous and long-term ongoing change activity, while the mirrored face attends the striving for reflective distance and rigorous analysis that is challenged through empathic and political involvement” (Levin 2012 , p. 133). Action researchers must simultaneously manage the two Janus perspectives, which is challenging because it involves many different tasks and competencies. Levin ( 2012 ) makes the argument that given the dual characteristics of the research process, working in an environment with other action researchers is particularly valuable as it enables action researchers to interpret and discuss solutions before any decisions are made, especially if they share experiences from the field. He further claims that the value of collegial discussions and reflections cannot be emphasised enough (Levin 2012 ). This requires the existence of an action research environment , which we define as “a community of people who connect through theoretical and conceptual discussions [on action research] and work together developing [action research] projects. But, above all, it is a community of people who have affective connections and a shared project with the aim of constructing something together.” (Larrea 2020 , p. 26).

Source: Systemic Practice and Action Research

DOI: 10.1007/s11213-024-09703-0