This case highlights the major steps in conducting action research. We examine how an open innovation project for social change (“La Scuola Open Source”) was developed using a longitudinal qualitative research strategy over 6 months. We wanted to ensure that we would have the appropriate data and sufficient objectivity for empirical analysis. The action research was performed during a 12-day workshop involving participants crowdsourced from people in various parts of the world. Afterwards, we monitored their online activities to understand how their values and the broader context helped the initiative become a reality. The data collection and organization were complex and time-consuming because of the multiple sources of information. Therefore, to avoid mistakes, we employed a second researcher and used software to perform a content analysis of part of the dataset (i.e., the participants’ online activities). The case study addresses the practicalities involved in planning and executing action research, including feedback retrieval, transparency, and objectivity. Equally importantly, researchers must be prepared to adapt and formulate strategies that do not lose sight of the bigger picture, which in the present instance was that of transforming the social context of an Italian peripherical region.
Conducting Action Research to Address Social Innovation
Nunzia Coco;
2023
Abstract
This case highlights the major steps in conducting action research. We examine how an open innovation project for social change (“La Scuola Open Source”) was developed using a longitudinal qualitative research strategy over 6 months. We wanted to ensure that we would have the appropriate data and sufficient objectivity for empirical analysis. The action research was performed during a 12-day workshop involving participants crowdsourced from people in various parts of the world. Afterwards, we monitored their online activities to understand how their values and the broader context helped the initiative become a reality. The data collection and organization were complex and time-consuming because of the multiple sources of information. Therefore, to avoid mistakes, we employed a second researcher and used software to perform a content analysis of part of the dataset (i.e., the participants’ online activities). The case study addresses the practicalities involved in planning and executing action research, including feedback retrieval, transparency, and objectivity. Equally importantly, researchers must be prepared to adapt and formulate strategies that do not lose sight of the bigger picture, which in the present instance was that of transforming the social context of an Italian peripherical region.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
