Reinventing University Research:
The Case for Actionable Knowledge
Jeff Gold
Professor of Organisation Learning
Leeds Becket University and elsewhere
Is the University in crisis?
The privileging of scientific theorising and models
Recognised need to ape the natural sciences to demonstrate the rigour ‘physics envy’ (Bennis and O’Toole 2005)
Power of economics - concern for models, mathematical proofs, market
solutions and claims of value-freedom.
Sumantra Ghoshal (2005) - propogation of ‘ideologically inspired amoral
theories’ (p.76) where bad theories are driving out good practices.
The GFC and Post GFC – agents of neo-liberalism?
- the “failure of the collective imagination of many bright people”
- “economists have been part of the problem, not part of the solution”
(Krugman 2012, p. 92).
Nicholas Maxwell’s Critique
Social Sciences set alongside Natural Sciences
Devoted to the pursuit of knowledge – knowledge-inquiry
1. acquire knowledge
2. knowledge is objective, value-free, reliable
Secondary role given to solving the ‘problems of living’ – it is a ‘disaster’
global warming, destruction of natural habitats, pollution, war, weapons spread,
gulf widening between poor/rich, banking disconnection
Wisdom - the capacity and active desire to realize what is of value in life
Wisdom-inquiry – problems of living, knowledge for action, co-operation, justice to
their interests
Maxwell’s Social Methodology
So….what are the current problems of
living of concern to the University?
Equivocality
Wicked Issues
Tame Issues
Uncertainty
“In the varied topography of professional practice, there is a high, hard
ground overlooking a swamp. On the high ground, manageable
problems lend themselves to solution through the use of researchbased theory and technique. In the swampy lowlands, problems are
messy and confusing and incapable of technical solution. The irony of
this situation is that the problems of the high ground tend to be
relatively unimportant to individuals or to society at large, however
great their technical interest may be, while in the swamp lie the
problems of greatest human concern.”
Schön (1983)
Known
solution
Known
problem
Unknown
problem
Task
Solution
seeking a
problem
Unknown
solution
Problem
solving
Complexity,
wicked, mess
In Organisations
xxxxx
xxxxx
?
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
?
xxxxx
Tame
Wicked
Approaches to Research
Knowledge Inquiry
Wisdom Inquiry
Knowledge
Inquiry
Tame
Wicked
Action Modalities – action
learning, action research,
cooperative research,
appreciative enquiry, CHAT,
SSM, PAR, CAR
Wisdom
Inquiry
Cultural-Historical Activity Theory: research
on activity as a unit of analysis that is
analyzable in its contextuality and is specific to
human beings by being culturally mediated
and dynamic
Action Research - knowledge
generation that is based on a
collaborative problem-solving
relationship between researcher
and client
Action learning -a group
setting that seeks to generate
learning across multiple levels,
from individuals to systems,
arising from engagement in
the solution of real-time (not
simulated) work problems
Action Modes of Research problem focused research,
completed in the context of
practice which results in
knowledge that is useful through
its application
Cooperative Inquiry- participants
engage in self-critical examination in
the presence of a group, which
iinvites spontaneous inquiry into its
own patterns allowing the
generating of ideas and designing
and managing projects.
Action science - work-based
intervention for helping learners
increase their effectiveness in
social situations through
heightened awareness of their
action and interaction
assumptions
Soft Systems Methodology- a
learning based inquiry to make
improvements using systems
models and thinking
Appreciative Inquiry (AI) - focus on
the positive capabilities of people
and organizations and building on
such capabilities
Example 1
RECONCILING WESTERN
GOVERNANCE THEORY WITH
NIGERIAN PRACTICE
A GROUNDED ACTION LEARNING
APPROACH
ADRIAN OGUN
RESEARCH PROBLEM
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE: SYSTEM BY WHICH
ENTERPRISE ACTIVITY IS DIRECTED & CONTROLLED
AND CONFLICTING INTERESTS MANAGED
TNIs (WORLD BANK) PROMOTE WESTERN SYSTEM IN
NIGERIA
NIGERIAN FIRMS AWARE OF TNI PRINCIPLES BUT DO
NOT PRACTICE
GROUNDED THEORY/ALR
Example 2
Appreciative Inquiry using Action
Learning
• West Yorkshire Police – Culture Shift following
audit showing significant problems
Engagement
Leadership
Trust
Decision-Making
Confidence
Silo Working
Review and Feedback
Change
The Issues
Engagement
Leadership
Trust
DecisionMaking
Confidence
Silo Working
Review and
Feedback
Change
The AI Cycle
Discovery
Destiny
Champion
Group – 9
AI +AL
(Delivery)
Designing
Dreaming
Engagement and Trust
1.
-
Communication
dispel myths
provide clarity
avoid rumours
show awareness of issues
2.
-
Consult and Listen
facilitate meetings
ask why
consider multiple voices and
perspectives
- show empathy
- show engagement meaningfully
3.
-
Attitude
equal partner working
non-hierarchic working
gain willingness of all partners
show humility
4.
-
Ideas and Innovation
take responsibility
reduce blame
show support and trust
5.
-
6.
-
Reward and Recognition
everyday and ongoing
transparent
consistency
Review and Challenge
show honesty
create opportunities
support confidence to challenge
reduce barriers
ENGAGEMENT AND TRUST: KEY ACTIONS AND PROCESSES
Consult and Listen
Attitude of Humility
Communication
Ideas and
Innovation
Reward and
Recognition
Review and
Challenge
So….what can the University do for
current problems of living?