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Action Reserach and Social Engagement
C. Richard Baker,
Adelphi University
ABSTRACT. Calls have been made in recent years for social and environmental accountants to focus more of their attention on effecting change within organizations (Adams, 2002). Neu et al. (2001) have highlighted the importance of ‘critical accounting interventions’ whereby social accountants seek to change the world, not merely describe it (Neimark, 1990, p. 110, quoting Marx). This paper examines the potential use of ‘action research’ to promote change inside of organizations. While it is argued that active social engagement risks organizational capture, action research is considered to be a qualitative methodology that can withstand organizational pressures, thus allowing researchers to study social and environmental accounting from inside organizations. This paper summarizes the history and principles of action research and suggests ways that action research might be better used to further the goals of social and environmental accounting.
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