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Participatory action research
329
BOOK
Smith, N. (1981). Meruphorsfor
Evaiuarion.
RE L’IE U’S
Sage Publications,
Beverly Hills. RUTH BUOGH,
B.Sc.,
D.C.C.
Honorary Research Associate, Centre for Health Services Research, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4AA, U.K.
Participatory Action Research. William Park,
California
(1991).
Price f27.50
Foote Whyte (Ed.). Sage Publications, cloth, f13.95 paperback.
Newbury
Participatory Action Research (PAR) is claimed throughout the book to be a revolutionary way of doing research toward generating social change and social theory. It is said to entail the application of scientific theories and processes in a rigorous way to applied practical problems in organizational settings. Its methodology involves participation of workers at these applied research sites, as a key element. The book is a set of research reports and some brief, rather thin theoretical discussion, that purports to demonstrate how this is achieved. This is not an introductory text on action research. However, it could be considered as a book of readings directed towards applied research, providing the reader with some working understanding of the principles of action research. It also provides a rich set of insights into the intricacies and challenges encountered in research in applied settings with an agenda toward action. Whyte makes the theoretical claim that PAR is able to achieve restructuring of work relations as well as new ways of thinking and theorizing those relations at an individual level. The PAR researcher/consultant acts as a coach, involving participants at all levels participating in the decision making processes related to action for change. Theoretically this involves a suspension of the normal hierarchical relations occurring hitherto, in order to study how reorganized relations affect key aspects of a company’s performance, such as productivity. Methodologically the authors state that PAR does not lend itself to genuine experimental design, given that it is not realistic to isolate uni- or even multivariate factors operating within complex organizational structures. The method they prefer is “systematic descriptions of participative activities” (p. 46) based upon field observation of the participation processes and or interviews with key participants. PAR is said to be constituted around an attitude of open enquiry. Characteristic of action research in general, it does not set up prior hypotheses, but addresses questions as they arise. It is argued for PAR however that it has a theory-testing capability, particularly in testing the theory’s relevancy to the applied setting under study. In this way it is advanced as a theory refining and theory generating research approach. In terms of research focus, the first part of the book is devoted to organizational management issues, primarily problems reflecting deficiencies in management-worker
BOOK
RE 17E U’S
3’9
relations in a large organization. The second half of the book looks at agricultural sites where individual farmers or small collectives are engaged in problem solving endeavours aimed at greater productivity. Several chapters in the book focus on the theory of social change. It was in these chapters that for me the glossy showmanship of the new methodology became a little tarnished. Given that the theoretical framework for this methodology is organizational psychology, the researchers fail to take into account the important effects on organizational behaviour of social structures such as class and gender relations. What they overlook is the impact of these social structures on the reality of people in an organizational workplace. A quotation from the work of Berger and Luckmann in chapter 9 (Elden and Levi@, illustrates the lack of a wider sociological framework in which to develop an understanding of social relations within an organization. Here the notion of reality as a social construction in Berger and Luckmann’s work, is reduced to a psychological theory about the relativity of an individual’s perceptual stance, bypassing the important concept of social group interests, which is central within the theoretical source they cite. The limitations of the studies that I have outlined, perhaps reflect the practical difficulties of doing action research in organizational settings. It is important to include representation from all levels of the company. However, this may make it difficult from the researcher’s perspective to broach ideological differences. One is only too aware of delicate political stakes when a visiting researcher appears to be examining an organization, beyond the ostensible issues for which she or he was contracted. A researcher may find at this point that their contractors have reneged on their invitation. Hotvever, this could have been discussed. Overall, in reading the book I was left unconvinced that a psychological organizational framework which cannot address these issues raised here, could ever achieve real structural change, effecting lasting insights relating to relations within an organization. Interestingly in one discussion paper (chapter 6) the authors subtly critique the studies along these lines. However, it is naively dismissed by the Editor in a subsequent statement. I am left puzzled by the differentiation between action research (AR) and Furthermore participatory action research. In their discussion (chapter 6) Argyris and Schon seem to suggest that PAR is a subcategory of a general action research methodology. It is distinguished from the rest in that it places extraordinary significance on participation by workers in the local research site, at all levels of the research process. This distinction can only be maintained if one considers action research to encapsulate merely that research carried out within theoretical structures developed around organizational psychological change models-the kind of action research I wish for convenience to dub “AR from the right”. If, holvever, the authors were more familiar with other applications of action research within a tradition (well documented in the “AR from the left’. they would be aware that literature) that I would call for convenience participation has been a central concern of these emancipatory action theorists. I do not consider that the theory of PAR is anywhere near as innovative as the authors claim. I believe that it has been integrated within action research elsewhere and reported in the literature, but not referred to in this book. In short the book takes the form of readings or research reports with no real development of theory for analysing social systems to my satisfaction. However, it still has sufficient value in its scrupulous and detailed examination of the practical process of AR-the kind
330
BOOK REPYEWS
of process that needs to be developed, as well as the kinds of problems that may arise, with tips for their avoidance. As a practical manual for action research it is a good guide. I would recommend it to action researchers in nursing, cautioning the reader to establish a critical view in regard to its efficacy in theorizing about social relations. R.N., PH.D. Research Fell0 w, Faculty of Nursing, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia
HEATHER GIBB,
Qualitative Nursing Research: A Contemporary Dialogue (Revised Edn). J. Morse (Ed.). Sage London, Newbury Park, New Delhi (1991). Price f34.00 cloth, f15.95 paperback. A symposium held in Chicago in 1987 by “leading qualitative methodologists” serves as the context for this thoughtful collection of 17 papers on qualitative nursing research which was first published in 1989. As the Editor, Janice Morse of the University of Alberta says, “the development of qualitative research is accelerating at a breathtaking speed”. It is this acceleration, as well as the overall quality of this book, which gives rise to this revised edition so soon after publication of the first. There are only a few substantial revisions to the first edition, but they are useful and important. Janice Morse’s chapter on strategies for sampling contains a new section on group interviews and their appropriateness. In her chapter “Issues of Reliability and Validity”, Pamela Brink adds two very helpful sections in which she compares how the concepts of reliability and validity are treated differently in other qualitative research texts. Kathleen Knafl and Bonnie Breitmayer enhance their concluding discussion of triangulation and a solid bibliography on grant writing is added by Toni Tripp-Reimer and Marlene Zichi Cohen to their chapter “Funding Strategies for Qualitative Research”. Moving through the book the reader will find the chapters to be, for the most part, of high quality. Some, like Vangie Bergum’s “Being a Phenomenological Researcher”, shine in their clarity and resonance. There is much that is useful here. Some practical pointers are offered in the various chapters, such as schedules for research projects, tips for interviewing and access, suggestions for getting qualitative research through institutional review boards, and how to teach qualitative research methods. Thought-provoking issues are raised, such as Brink’s notion that nursing practice as a process demands longitudinal research. Morse’s aim, to address some of the gaps in the qualitative text books, is well met. Graduate students and experienced researchers alike will find the book useful. It is one that a researcher can, in the spirit of dialogue, repeatedly return to in order to explore the questions which arise in the reading. Engaging in dialogue is made easier by the book’s
BOOK
Smith, N. (1981). Meruphorsfor
Evaiuarion.
RE L’IE U’S
Sage Publications,
Beverly Hills. RUTH BUOGH,
B.Sc.,
D.C.C.
Honorary Research Associate, Centre for Health Services Research, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4AA, U.K.
Participatory Action Research. William Park,
California
(1991).
Price f27.50
Foote Whyte (Ed.). Sage Publications, cloth, f13.95 paperback.
Newbury
Participatory Action Research (PAR) is claimed throughout the book to be a revolutionary way of doing research toward generating social change and social theory. It is said to entail the application of scientific theories and processes in a rigorous way to applied practical problems in organizational settings. Its methodology involves participation of workers at these applied research sites, as a key element. The book is a set of research reports and some brief, rather thin theoretical discussion, that purports to demonstrate how this is achieved. This is not an introductory text on action research. However, it could be considered as a book of readings directed towards applied research, providing the reader with some working understanding of the principles of action research. It also provides a rich set of insights into the intricacies and challenges encountered in research in applied settings with an agenda toward action. Whyte makes the theoretical claim that PAR is able to achieve restructuring of work relations as well as new ways of thinking and theorizing those relations at an individual level. The PAR researcher/consultant acts as a coach, involving participants at all levels participating in the decision making processes related to action for change. Theoretically this involves a suspension of the normal hierarchical relations occurring hitherto, in order to study how reorganized relations affect key aspects of a company’s performance, such as productivity. Methodologically the authors state that PAR does not lend itself to genuine experimental design, given that it is not realistic to isolate uni- or even multivariate factors operating within complex organizational structures. The method they prefer is “systematic descriptions of participative activities” (p. 46) based upon field observation of the participation processes and or interviews with key participants. PAR is said to be constituted around an attitude of open enquiry. Characteristic of action research in general, it does not set up prior hypotheses, but addresses questions as they arise. It is argued for PAR however that it has a theory-testing capability, particularly in testing the theory’s relevancy to the applied setting under study. In this way it is advanced as a theory refining and theory generating research approach. In terms of research focus, the first part of the book is devoted to organizational management issues, primarily problems reflecting deficiencies in management-worker
BOOK
RE 17E U’S
3’9
relations in a large organization. The second half of the book looks at agricultural sites where individual farmers or small collectives are engaged in problem solving endeavours aimed at greater productivity. Several chapters in the book focus on the theory of social change. It was in these chapters that for me the glossy showmanship of the new methodology became a little tarnished. Given that the theoretical framework for this methodology is organizational psychology, the researchers fail to take into account the important effects on organizational behaviour of social structures such as class and gender relations. What they overlook is the impact of these social structures on the reality of people in an organizational workplace. A quotation from the work of Berger and Luckmann in chapter 9 (Elden and Levi@, illustrates the lack of a wider sociological framework in which to develop an understanding of social relations within an organization. Here the notion of reality as a social construction in Berger and Luckmann’s work, is reduced to a psychological theory about the relativity of an individual’s perceptual stance, bypassing the important concept of social group interests, which is central within the theoretical source they cite. The limitations of the studies that I have outlined, perhaps reflect the practical difficulties of doing action research in organizational settings. It is important to include representation from all levels of the company. However, this may make it difficult from the researcher’s perspective to broach ideological differences. One is only too aware of delicate political stakes when a visiting researcher appears to be examining an organization, beyond the ostensible issues for which she or he was contracted. A researcher may find at this point that their contractors have reneged on their invitation. Hotvever, this could have been discussed. Overall, in reading the book I was left unconvinced that a psychological organizational framework which cannot address these issues raised here, could ever achieve real structural change, effecting lasting insights relating to relations within an organization. Interestingly in one discussion paper (chapter 6) the authors subtly critique the studies along these lines. However, it is naively dismissed by the Editor in a subsequent statement. I am left puzzled by the differentiation between action research (AR) and Furthermore participatory action research. In their discussion (chapter 6) Argyris and Schon seem to suggest that PAR is a subcategory of a general action research methodology. It is distinguished from the rest in that it places extraordinary significance on participation by workers in the local research site, at all levels of the research process. This distinction can only be maintained if one considers action research to encapsulate merely that research carried out within theoretical structures developed around organizational psychological change models-the kind of action research I wish for convenience to dub “AR from the right”. If, holvever, the authors were more familiar with other applications of action research within a tradition (well documented in the “AR from the left’. they would be aware that literature) that I would call for convenience participation has been a central concern of these emancipatory action theorists. I do not consider that the theory of PAR is anywhere near as innovative as the authors claim. I believe that it has been integrated within action research elsewhere and reported in the literature, but not referred to in this book. In short the book takes the form of readings or research reports with no real development of theory for analysing social systems to my satisfaction. However, it still has sufficient value in its scrupulous and detailed examination of the practical process of AR-the kind
330
BOOK REPYEWS
of process that needs to be developed, as well as the kinds of problems that may arise, with tips for their avoidance. As a practical manual for action research it is a good guide. I would recommend it to action researchers in nursing, cautioning the reader to establish a critical view in regard to its efficacy in theorizing about social relations. R.N., PH.D. Research Fell0 w, Faculty of Nursing, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia
HEATHER GIBB,
Qualitative Nursing Research: A Contemporary Dialogue (Revised Edn). J. Morse (Ed.). Sage London, Newbury Park, New Delhi (1991). Price f34.00 cloth, f15.95 paperback. A symposium held in Chicago in 1987 by “leading qualitative methodologists” serves as the context for this thoughtful collection of 17 papers on qualitative nursing research which was first published in 1989. As the Editor, Janice Morse of the University of Alberta says, “the development of qualitative research is accelerating at a breathtaking speed”. It is this acceleration, as well as the overall quality of this book, which gives rise to this revised edition so soon after publication of the first. There are only a few substantial revisions to the first edition, but they are useful and important. Janice Morse’s chapter on strategies for sampling contains a new section on group interviews and their appropriateness. In her chapter “Issues of Reliability and Validity”, Pamela Brink adds two very helpful sections in which she compares how the concepts of reliability and validity are treated differently in other qualitative research texts. Kathleen Knafl and Bonnie Breitmayer enhance their concluding discussion of triangulation and a solid bibliography on grant writing is added by Toni Tripp-Reimer and Marlene Zichi Cohen to their chapter “Funding Strategies for Qualitative Research”. Moving through the book the reader will find the chapters to be, for the most part, of high quality. Some, like Vangie Bergum’s “Being a Phenomenological Researcher”, shine in their clarity and resonance. There is much that is useful here. Some practical pointers are offered in the various chapters, such as schedules for research projects, tips for interviewing and access, suggestions for getting qualitative research through institutional review boards, and how to teach qualitative research methods. Thought-provoking issues are raised, such as Brink’s notion that nursing practice as a process demands longitudinal research. Morse’s aim, to address some of the gaps in the qualitative text books, is well met. Graduate students and experienced researchers alike will find the book useful. It is one that a researcher can, in the spirit of dialogue, repeatedly return to in order to explore the questions which arise in the reading. Engaging in dialogue is made easier by the book’s