Cited by 1,002Information Systems Theories and ImplementationAppreciative Inquiry and Organizational ChangeInformation Systems Education and Curriculum Development

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A Critical Perspective on Action Research as a Method for Information Systems Research

Baskerville, Richard L., Wood-Harper, A. Trevor·1996·Journal of Information Technology

DOI 10.1177/026839629601100305

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Abstract

This paper reviews the origins, techniques and roles associated with action research into information systems (IS). Many consider the approach to be the paragon of post-positivist research methods, yet it has a cloudy history among the social sciences. The paper summarizes the rigorous approach to action research and suggests certain domains of ideal use (such as systems development methodology). For those faced with conducting, reviewing or examining action research, the paper discusses various problems, opportunities and strategies.

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Authors: Baskerville, R. L., & Wood-Harper, A. T.
Affiliations: Copenhagen Business School (DK)
University of Salford (GB)
ORCID: Baskerville, Richard L.
Venue: Journal of Information Technology
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Published: 1996-09
Volume: 11
Issue: 3
Pages: 235-246
ISSN: 0268-3962 (ISSN-L)
1466-4437
DOI: 10.1177/026839629601100305
OpenAlex: W4240661623
Cited by: 390
References: 42
Citations by year: 2026: 9 · 2025: 10 · 2024: 13 · 2023: 16 · 2022: 24 · 2021: 33 · 2020: 27 · 2019: 24 · 2018: 20 · 2017: 11 · 2016: 18 · 2015: 19 · 2014: 8 · 2013: 10 · 2012: 24
FWCI: 11.70
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Licence: journals.sagepub.com/page/policies/text-and-data-mining-license (tdm)
Locations: Journal of Information Technology (publishedVersion)
Journal of the Association for Information Systems (submittedVersion)
CBS Research Portal (Copenhagen Business School) (submittedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Management Information Systems › Information Systems Theories and Implementation
Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management › Appreciative Inquiry and Organizational Change
Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › Information Systems Education and Curriculum Development
Keywords: action research, information systems research, post-positivism, research methodology critique, system development methodology, history of action research

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A Critical Perspective on Action Research as a Method for Information Systems Research

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