Weaknesses of Action Research

Weaknesses of Action Research

Despite the many advantages that Action Research (AR) might have, Brydon-Miller et al. (2003) mention that one of the weaknesses of Action Research is: its localism. AR often takes place on the local scale and it cannot be extended to a broader context.
Because AR is done on a “case-by-case” basis, action researches often have problems with intervening in large-scale social change attempts.
Problems as environmental degradation, political conflicts and increasing inequality are difficult to address in AR.
I wonder are there any additonal known weaknesses of AR?
Brydon-Miller, M., Greenwood, D. And P. Maguire (2003) “Why Action Research” Action Research Vol. 1 pp 9-28

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		1 Jaap de Jonge Editor, Netherlands
	Disadvantages of Action Research Thanks for sharing this, indeed AR lends itself to smaller-scale issues, such as single case studies or reflective studies. Sometimes you also can see 2 other weaknesses of AR being mentioned: methodologically it might be difficult and it is said to be time-consuming. Of course each method has its disadvantages or perhaps its better to speak of limitations.

		1 Bob Dick Consultant, Australia
	Limitations of Action Research I suspect such problems as "environmental degradation... and increasing inequality" are difficult to... Sign up

		0 Marlis Krichewsky HR Consultant, France
	Large Scale Action Research There are forms of AR that allow to address problems concerning thousands of actors giving all of th... Sign up

		2 Tom Wilson HR Consultant, United States
	Action Research is Intentionally Localized - That's the Point The strength of Action Research is exactly its finite nature: even if it can be part of a larger "th... Sign up

		1 Radha Raj India
	The Results of Action Research can be Published Globally Sometimes, action research can yield observations and results that can have wide applications. For i... Sign up

		0 Tom Wilson HR Consultant, United States
	All Action Planning is a Form of Action Research @Radha Raj: My point remains that all action planning is a form of action research, whether it is pl... Sign up

		2 Keogh Manager, Australia
	Limited Use of Action Research in Business Research @Tom Wilson: After using an applied AR research method at a corporate managerial level, based on Lew... Sign up

		0 Tom Wilson HR Consultant, United States
	Action Research and Military Tactical Action Planning @Clare: It is useful to remember that Lewin was a combat infantry soldier and the action research mo... Sign up

		0 clare keogh Student (MBA), Australia
	Action Research Strengths and Weaknesses Interesting you think of Lewin as a combat soldier. Yes he was in the German army for a short time a... Sign up