Shani and Coghlan's comparison of action research and collaborative management research

¶ … Role of Management Research in Modern Organizations

Summarize the article with an eye on the author's main point.

Collaborative management research differs from traditional research based on the different outcomes that are required (Shani & Coghlan, 2012). In their study, "Action Research and Collaborative Management Research: More Than Meets the Eye?," Shani and Coghlan (2012) provide an overview and comparison of action research and collaborative management research to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each for practitioners. Based on their analysis, Shani and Coghlan conclude that each approach has its place in modern organization depending on the type of information that is required. In this regard, Shani and Coghlan (2012) report that, "Management research approaches, embedded in [the] synergistic engagements of managers and researchers, enhances the relevance for management practice" (p. 46). In sum, properly performed, collaborative management research can provide practitioners with the information needed to develop the types of responses to changes in the market environment that are needed to achieve and sustain a competitive advantage (Shani & Coghlan, 2012).

2. How does this article contribute to contemporary thinking about research?

Because many companies have been criticized for pursuing apparently irrational courses of action in spite of prevailing market conditions, there have been increased calls for improved management research approaches that can better inform companies seeking viable growth strategies. According to Shani and Coghlan, collaborative management research can help overcome these criticisms and provide companies of all types and sizes with the timely information they need to formulate effective growth strategies. For example, Shani and Coghan note that, "Collaborative management research has the potential to yield both robust theory for scholars and actionable knowledge for practitioners" (2012, p. 47).

3. How does this article illustrate the importance of using research to make decisions within an organization?

By employing a collaborative management research approach, Shani and Coghan (2012) maintain that the provision of opportunities for all stakeholders to participate in the decision-making process based on real-world information can facilitate the decision-making process and provide practitioners with potential alternative courses of action that might not otherwise be discernible. In this regard, Shani and Coghlan emphasize that, "In collaborative management research, the shared interpretation or sense making of the data can be enhanced [and] possible action strategies developed and experimental action taken" (2012, p. 46).

5. What is your opinion on the topic of this article?

To their credit, Shani and Coghlan (2012) provide in-depth descriptions of both action research and collaborative management research, both of which differ from traditional research and both of which have a role to play in helping modern organizations achieve their goals and develop and sustain a competitive advantage in an increasingly competitive marketplace.