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Chapter 12 - Co-Inquiring in a Digital Age

Enhancing the Practice of Strategy Work in Government Organizations through Action Research

from Part II - Methodological Considerations

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 June 2023

By
Joe McDonagh ,
David Coghlan  and
Paul Coughlan
Edited by
Boyka Simeonova  and
Robert D. Galliers
Boyka Simeonova
Affiliation:
University of Leicester
Robert D. Galliers
Affiliation:
Bentley University, Massachusetts and Warwick Business School
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Summary

Recognizing the pervasive influence of modern digital technologies, this chapter argues for the supremacy of strategy work in terms of giving shape and effect to the associated agenda for strategic, organizational and technological change. The chapter focuses on the theory and practice of action research as a Mode 2 approach to knowledge production as managers co-inquire into the practice of strategizing. The discussion speaks directly to the practice of action research in government organizations, of enhancing strategy work and its related outcomes, and the broader outcomes of co-inquiry. The chapter affirms the central role of action research in knowledge production and emphasizes how the practice of action research is itself being transformed by enabling digital technologies during the current COVID-19 pandemic. The contention throughout is that good practice informs research and good research informs practice.

Keywords

action researchco-inquirydigital technologiesdigital transformationMode 2 knowledge productionstrategy work
Type
Chapter
Information
Cambridge Handbook of Qualitative Digital Research , pp. 172 - 190
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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