Action research is done when an ongoing problem needs to be solved. Before we can even begin to look at the solution, we need to identify and define the actual problem. If there is a repeat of a certain occurrence, it is clear that there is a problem.
This problem needs to be noted, observed, and recognized. Once the problem is defined, a reason for the problem should be identified, and only then the solution can be found. In simple words, you want to see why things are the way they are. Here are a few possible issues where action research needs to take place.
In a work scenario where the money goes missing, it is clear that there is a problem. Financially a business cannot sustain itself or pay workers if there is no money. Therefore the problem should be traced. A whole investigation should take place from where money enters the company up to where it is used so that a solution can be found.
Either someone is stealing the money, or the money is spent on unnecessary things or the expenditure is more than the income. Action research should be put in place so that the problem can be solved.
The problem doesn’t necessarily have to be about money. A different scenario might be in the production of a product where quality material is used, but the end product is not up to standard. The problem causes the company to lose money because the products do not sell. Perhaps the workmanship is not up to standard or the price for creating the product is too costly.
It could even be a personal problem like why Jack is late for work every second day? Jack might have some personal issues, and the company is losing time and money because Jack doesn’t do his job properly. These types of problems occur all the time because even in a business situation human beings are still involved. If a business wants to be successful all the team players need to be on the same side, and personal issues need to be resolved if it is affecting the business. Once the problem has been identified, a suitable solution should be found.
In all the different scenarios above it is clear that various problems do occur on an ongoing basis. In all the different scenarios above it is also clear that there are various solutions to these problems. None of these problems mentioned is just an open and shut case. Various factors have to be taken into consideration and creative problem solving should occur.
Once a problem is identified, various solutions need to be considered. Once these ideas for solutions are generated, each solution needs to be considered individually to determine the outcome. More than one solution might be combined, and this might not have been a possibility if more than one solution was not generated.
Once the best solution is found, the final steps will be to refine the solution and find a definite path for it to be implemented.
Take note that things don’t always work out on paper as it works out in real life. On paper, the solution might work perfectly but once it is put into action, there might be some hiccups. It is therefore extremely important to follow the process meticulously to make sure that everything goes as planned.
Action research is not something that can be stopped from time to time. There should be continuous checking to ensure that there is a handle on these problems at all times and should they occur, they can be stopped in their tracks without going through the whole process again.
