To carry out researches without action or action research in the area of administration? A methodological reflection

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to analyse how the action-research has been conducted in organisational studies in Brazil. This study compiled information of 44 journals in Brazil and 22 congresses between 2000 and 2010. Among those 44 journals and 22 congresses only 21 papers and 4 event presentations have approached the subject. Objectives, procedures, effort of the outsiders and consequences of both cycles, action and academic were the topics analysed. The survey results indicate that, overall, the authors don’t distinguish properly the two intentions on the methodology, except few exceptions. It is speculated, then, about the use of action research in the field of study of administration in Brazil. It is concluded that the concept of action research is acknowledged and internalized by the authors, but reports of its application are still insufficient. Finally, it is argued that research and action in the area of Administration can and must walk together and propose some suggestions for research.

action-research; business; qualitative research; state-of-the-art; research