Description
Book SynopsisThis practical book explores collaborative inquiry as an approach to research and change in organizations where internal members and external researchers work together as partners to address organizational issues and create knowledge about changing organizations.
Taking a research-based approach, Abraham B. (Rami) Shani and David Coghlan analyze the challenges that participants face in building a partnership between researchers and practitioners throughout the phases of collaboration. Chapters explore how collaborative partners assess the organization's current and future capabilities by expressing the present and future in creative imagery and by making relevant changes in the organization to create that future. The book examines the theoretical foundations behind collaborative inquiry in addition to the methodologies of this approach to organization development and change.
Mapping both the theory and practice of collaborative inquiry, this book will be a valuable resource for scholars and students of organization studies and research methods, particularly those with a focus on business and management. It will also be beneficial for practitioners interested in collaborative and action research modes.
Trade Review‘This book is one of the best exemplars of showing how these two practices--research and helping--can inform each other constructively. This book is a welcome exploration of how these practices have enlarged our understanding of how human systems really work, how they must be studied, and how we can constructively intervene in them.’ -- - Edgar H. Schein, Professor Emeritus, MIT Sloan School of Management, US
‘As scientists, we ask ourselves how we can contribute more to the amelioration of the most challenging issues of our time, such as global pandemics, climate change, social justice. Shani and Coghlan help us understand that there is a better way for science to influence decision makers. Collaborative inquiry is built to provide a scientific approach to change and Shani and Coghlan have been the masters of that approach for decades. This new book should be read by any scientist or leader who wants to make progress instead of just bemoaning the current state of affairs.’ -- - William A. (Bill) Pasmore, Professor of Practice, Colombia University, US
Table of ContentsContents: Foreword 1 Massimo S. Brunelli Foreword 2 Michael Beer Preface 1. Introducing collaborative inquiry 2. Theoretical foundations 3. Methodology and methods of inquiry 4. Transformation and design 5. Phases, mechanisms and quality 6. The researcher, theorizing and opportunities Epilogue Afterword: Collaborative inquiry: takeaways and applications Philip H. Mirvis References Index
