Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

Communicative action through collaborative inquiry: journey of a facilitating co-inquirer

Kakabadse, N. K., Kakabadse, A. P. and Kalu, K. N. (2007) Communicative action through collaborative inquiry: journey of a facilitating co-inquirer. Systemic Practice and Action Research. 20(3), pp. 245-272. 1573-9295.

Item Type: Article
Abstract: As complex and rapidly changing organisational contexts present a significant challenge for the management and organisational development of professionals, this paper explores a particular journey of one facilitator/co-inquirer (participant) in a collaborative inquiry (CI) intervention driving culture change within the UK's Civil Service. Through such experience it is argued that CI represents an intensive and effective inquiry based change strategy involving collaborative interaction between the co-inquiring facilitator and client. The philosophical history and richness of CI is explored as a prelude to outlining the learning and development of the co-inquirers involved in this project and the observed impact of CI on the organisation. Of note is that over an extended period of time, the facilitator assumes the two roles of inquirer and subject of inquiry, and through such a dual responsibility, gains a deeper understanding of the challenges they face and the nature of the solutions that would require further attention. It is concluded that co-inquirers effectively contribute both to scientific knowledge and the solving of real life practical problems
Uncontrolled Keywords: Collaborative inquiry - Action inquiry - Participatory philosophy - Critical knowledge - Emancipator change - CI journey - EARP group - Dialogue - Reflexivity
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > HD30.4 Study and teaching. Research
J Political Science > JN Political institutions and public administration (Europe) > JN101 Great Britain
H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD58.7 Organizational behavior, change and effectiveness. Corporate culture
Creators: Kakabadse, Nada K, Kakabadse, Andrew P and Kalu, Kalu N
Publisher: Kluwer
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Business & Law > Business and International Management (to 2010)
Faculties > Faculty of Business & Law > International Strategy & Business
Date: June 2007
Date Type: Publication
Page Range: pp. 245-272
Journal or Publication Title: Systemic Practice and Action Research
Volume: 20
Number: 3
Language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11213-006-9061-1
ISSN: 1573-9295
Status: Published / Disseminated
Refereed: Yes
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/393

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