EXPRESS: Action Research for Impact in Addressing the Grand Challenges

Abstract

The growing interest in impact-driven research invites organization and strategy scholars to not merely study, but actively help address grand challenges. This essay explores how action research might offer a robust methodology to impact and study grand challenges by developing theory through action. Action research is introduced, and its contributions, strengths and limitations are discussed in view of the current conversation about impact-driven scholarly work. Some practical guidance is given to bring action research within reach as a viable approach. The essay concludes with an exploration of how a fuller embrace of action research might help transform academic practice in the interest of urgent planetary change.