Action research as a transformative force in management education: Introducing the collaboratory

Abstract

This article examines the potential for scalability of action research in the domain of management education. It considers the individual, the institutional as well as the systemic perspective of embracing action research and provides telling examples in all three domains. Using the guiding framework of the seven choice points of quality action research (from clarifying objectives, working in partnership with stakeholders, through to cultivating stakeholder reflexivity), the article seeks to establish a link between existing best practices in action research with applied transformational processes in management education. The widely recognised 'Vision 50+20' (www.50plus20. org) sets the stage for the challenge at hand and is used as a framework to define the scope. The three roles defined in the Vision 50+20 call for compelling examples of action research. These roles cover two existing responsibilities of business schools, educating globally responsible leaders and research that enables business to serve the common good; as well as an additionally defined role concerning the transformation of economy and society. Last but not least, the author seeks to inspire further research and discussion in this domain.