The call for real impact research has established in the current academic landscape. In this context, Action Research (AR) emerges as a promising methodological approach able to combine the scientific approach with practical intervention. Nevertheless, it is still marginal in managerial and organizational studies. Therefore, the study aims to explore the barriers that neglect AR adoption among academic researchers. By employing a mixed-method approach, both quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed on 52 valid responses. Particularly, a correlation analysis was conducted to understand how diverse barriers in nature actually move together, and a thematic analysis was performed to investigate the factors underlying each barrier. The results reveal that, among relational, methodological, career and structural barriers, relational and structural barriers are correlated more than other barriers. Moreover, the analysis highlights the themes influencing the researchers’ perceptions for each barrier. This research contributes to the literature on AR by redefining the problem of methodological legitimacy and discussing implications for researchers and institutions oriented toward research of impact.
Research in Action: Understanding the Barriers Hindering Action Research Adoption
Miriana Ferrara
;Maria Vincenza Ciasullo
2026
Abstract
The call for real impact research has established in the current academic landscape. In this context, Action Research (AR) emerges as a promising methodological approach able to combine the scientific approach with practical intervention. Nevertheless, it is still marginal in managerial and organizational studies. Therefore, the study aims to explore the barriers that neglect AR adoption among academic researchers. By employing a mixed-method approach, both quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed on 52 valid responses. Particularly, a correlation analysis was conducted to understand how diverse barriers in nature actually move together, and a thematic analysis was performed to investigate the factors underlying each barrier. The results reveal that, among relational, methodological, career and structural barriers, relational and structural barriers are correlated more than other barriers. Moreover, the analysis highlights the themes influencing the researchers’ perceptions for each barrier. This research contributes to the literature on AR by redefining the problem of methodological legitimacy and discussing implications for researchers and institutions oriented toward research of impact.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
