Time to get real: The case for critical action research in purchasing and supply management

Meehan, Joanne ORCID: 0000-0001-6730-9350, Touboulic, Anne and Walker, Helen (2016) Time to get real: The case for critical action research in purchasing and supply management. JOURNAL OF PURCHASING AND SUPPLY MANAGEMENT, 22 (4). pp. 255-257.

Text N&D4 JPSM AR debate paper 28072016 submit.docx - Author Accepted Manuscript Download (64kB)

Abstract

In fragile and often complex supply chains, PSM failures continue to be reported in the media, often with severe economic, social and environmental consequences. To encourage organisations to engage in responsible PSM, we need engaged research. In this paper we argue that Action Research (AR) is an influential, participative method to challenge the more dominant versions of PSM impacts, which tend to focus only on the positive, and often only monetised elements of what is valued. AR places change at the core of the research process, requiring critical reflexive practice of the impact of assumptions, values and actions on others. We argue that PSM research has more potential for influence if it starts from a 'real' problem anchored in practice, and that crucially, the problem itself should be challenged dialogically by scholars, practitioners and diverse stakeholders. Critical AR can reframe performance from a technical, company-centric notion to explore broader relationships between inputs and outputs over a longer time frame. We explore the risks and rewards of Critical AR for PSM scholars and draw conclusions on our role as engaged advocates of change

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Action research, Critical management, Engaged research, Supply management research, Critical action research
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	03 Oct 2016 10:25
Last Modified:	19 Jan 2023 07:29
DOI:	10.1016/j.pursup.2016.08.006
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3003578