Action Research as a Research Method: Implications for HRD Research

Compared to other researchers in fields related to education, HRD researchers have shown limited interest in the approach of action research. There are some scholars who describe action research as a ‘problem-solving method’ or a ‘process for gathering information within organizations.’ However, these perspectives are misleading because they are much narrower than the more encompassing use of the term and do not reflect the essence of the approach. Based on investigation of the definitions, characteristics, and history of development, action research is proposed as an alternative to traditional research methods that are dominant in social sciences. The implications of this method for HRD research and development of the field are presented.