Choosing an Outlet for Action Research: Publication Patterns in Innovation Journals

Magnus Hoppe

doi:10.22215/timreview/1234

Abstract

IntroductionWhat are the best outlets for those of us who are both interested in innovation and action research? Especially for those of us who would like to combine practical impact with an academic career, this is an important question. Bibliometric rules and arguments from institutional managers often favour established procedures, demanding not just any publications, but

Highlights

What are the best outlets for those of us who are both interested in innovation and action research? Especially for those of us who would like to combine practical impact with an academic career, this is an important question
The results presented here imply that all journals, regardless of rank, are about as keen or hesitant to publish action research articles
The ranking of the Academic Journal Guide (AJG) builds on conventional ways of dividing research into specific fields and give good numbers to those journals who have been able to attract attention from a specific audience over time

Summary

Introduction

What are the best outlets for those of us who are both interested in innovation and action research? Especially for those of us who would like to combine practical impact with an academic career, this is an important question. For action researchers, this positive development is quite recent and specific to certain fields (e.g., education and health) and does not encompass technology and innovation, according to Flicker (2014). What distinguishes action research from other research traditions are an interest to make a direct impact on practical problems, that is to create action, and the involvement of those concerned in problem definitions and knowledge constructions. It is based on democratic ideals, where the interests and demands on questions asked, methods used and results, sought from both researchers and those researched are respected (Dewey, 1937; Johansson & Lindhult, 2008; Lewin, 1946). Technology and innovation are covered, but they are not part of the mainstream

Results

Discussion

Conclusion