The Use of Action Research in the Improvement of Communication in a Community of Practice: The MOISIG Case

Abstract

Research projects conducted under the action research approach are expected to present a dual contribution: to solve real problems and to add some new knowledge. This chapter introduces a case in which the researcher and the research client are the same entity. The research question and the problem to be solved concern communication in communities of practice using information technology. A description of the community of practice under study is provided, as well as the action research approach and the research cycles concluded. Results concerning the research question, the problem under resolution and the ethical question (researcher and research client being the same entity) are discussed. The evaluation of the results leads to the main conclusion that the action research approach is helpful for both learning processes and problem solving, even when the researcher and the research client are the same entity.