Abstract
The research approach of multi-grounded action research (MGAR) is presented and analyzed. This is based on a review of issues and concerns in information systems action research. MGAR builds on the epistemological principles of multi-grounding. This combines empirical, theoretical and internal grounding. The multi-grounded approach builds on elements from grounded theory; i.e. building theory inductively from data through coding procedures, but it also comprises an abductive use of extant theory. MGAR is described through six knowledge contributions: (1) the MGAR process model, (2) the MGAR knowledge model, (3) the MGAR theory model, (4) the principle of the multi-grounded change outcome, (5) the principle of the multi-grounded theory outcome and (6) the principle of mutuality of purposes. MGAR has been applied in an IT service management (ITSM) case, which serves an illustration and a validation of MGAR. In this MGAR case, the improvement of ITSM has been conducted and studied through a multi-organizational setting. In the case, there was a special focus on the service quality of IT services and the relations between service providers and customers.
Highlights
1.1 BackgroundAfter years of struggle, action research (AR) has emerged as a widely accepted research approach within information systems (IS)
We summarize there how the unsettled issues and concerns have been addressed through our knowledge contributions
We propose multi-grounded action research as a way to revitalize AR in IS research
Summary
1.1 BackgroundAfter years of struggle, action research (AR) has emerged as a widely accepted research approach within information systems (IS). Confer reviews of action research in IS made by Lau (1997), Baskerville and Wood-Harper (1998), Chiasson et al (2008), Mathiassen et al (2012) and Avison et al (2018). There have been debates and criticisms concerning the scientific legitimacy of AR It is, too early to say that the time of objections and controversies is over; cf e.g. This paper addresses different challenges, controversies and unresolved issues and concerns in action research. These are all issues related to knowledge development in AR. These codes are used below in the text in order to ensure traceability
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