Chapter 19: Action Research

1. What need has Lewin identified when he developed the action research model in the 1940s?

For business managers to base their change programmes on research into practical problems For change initiatives to be based on empirical evidence For social scientists to base their theory building on research into practical problems None of the above

2. What is one of the important differences between action research and traditional science?

Action research does not attempt to set tight limits and controls on the experimental situation Traditional science uses information to guide behaviour in order to solve immediate problems Action research involves studying information for the purpose of learning Action research typically ends at the point of discovery

3. Which of the following is NOT a stage in Kolb’s (1984) theory of experiential learning as a four-stage cycle?

Plan action to test the interpretation Act: engage in experience Lead others through the experience Interpret and make sense of the experience

4. Shepard (1960) thinks that the role of the consultant is to ‘help’ the client or client group to plan their actions in such a way that ____________________.

they can learn from them in order to discover better ways of organizing they become dependent on them for further advice they comes to see the consultant as ‘one of them’ None of the above

5. Lewin (1946) argued that an essential prerequisite for action research is ___________.

a desire for change a 'felt need' an 'experienced need' a 'thirst for change'

6. Following the identification of an issue that requires attention, action research involves successive cycles of action and evaluation. How many steps does each cycle comprise?

Ten Three Six Five

7. The action research process sometimes focuses on ___________work groups and sometimes brings together people who do not have close working relationships.

forced cross-functional natural unnatural

8. Which of the following is NOT a step in Axelrod’s meeting canoe?

Welcome Connect to each other and the task Decide who does what Decode which resources to use

9. According to Axelrod’s meeting canoe, which of the following is NOT something you should pay attention to at the first stage?

How you greet people What refreshments you provide Making people feel welcome Seating arrangements

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