Action research as a creative teaching method for humanistic management education: A case study of undergraduate business students

Abstract

This study examines the integration of action research and humanistic management principles in undergraduate business education, supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 8 (Decent Work). Through a case study of Applied Corporate Management students at De La Salle University, Philippines, the research documents how these teaching methods build management competencies and connect theory with practice. The specific pedagogical innovation combines action research methodology with humanistic management principles, creating an environment where students tackle actual organizational challenges. The study analyzes 36 student group action research projects over two years using qualitative thematic analysis, grounded in humanistic management theory. Results show that doing action research helps students create practical solutions to organizational and community problems, contributing to SDG 17 (Partnerships for Goals). Students reported enhanced well-being, better feedback processes, higher productivity, participant empowerment, and stronger community connections. Students appreciated that this approach develops critical skills needed for responsible management: systems thinking, stakeholder engagement, ethical decision-making, and reflective practice—preparing students to address both business and societal issues. The combined methods advance responsible management and sustainability by encouraging leadership that values human dignity, ethical behavior, and collaborative problem-solving while meeting organizational needs. The research adds to humanistic management education literature by showing how these principles encourage inclusive organizational practices even at the undergraduate level. An unexpected finding was some student groups independently incorporated AI tools in their action research projects, which is an area for future study. The paper discusses implications for educators preparing students for global challenges and suggests future research on creative teaching in business education.