A study note on action research and case study research (Robert Yin's version): for MBA students (information from perplexity.ai)
My question 1: "Could you provide 10 underlying ideas and principles of (1) action research and (2) case study research (the Robert Yin' version) respectively in the field of business management? Then, please illustrates the differences of these two methodologies with reference to an MBA dissertation project of a retail bank in Hong Kong introducing an AI application in its online customer service."
The reply: "Underlying Ideas and Principles
1. Action Research (in Business Management)
Problem-Centered: Focuses on identifying and solving a specific, practical problem within an organization1315.
Participatory: Involves collaboration among stakeholders affected by the issue, encouraging shared input and ownership1314.
Cyclical Process: Follows iterative steps: diagnosing, action planning, taking action, evaluating, and specifying learning13.
Reflexive Critique: Uses evidence-based information and reflective observations to understand the situation accurately13.
Dialectical Critique: Considers multiple viewpoints and conflicting perspectives to enrich understanding13.
Collaborative Research: Values equal contribution from all participants in the research process13.
Risk Awareness: Recognizes that participants may hesitate to share opinions due to fear of consequences13.
Plural Structure: Accepts diverse views and ideas emerging from collaboration13.
Theory-Practice Integration: Theory informs practice and practice refines theory, enabling transformation13.
Immediate Practical Impact: Designed to produce actionable solutions that improve organizational issues promptly15.
2. Case Study Research (Robert Yin’s Version in Business Management)
In-Depth Exploration: Provides detailed understanding of a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context12.
Multiple Data Sources: Uses triangulation by collecting data from various sources (interviews, documents, observations) to enhance construct validity12.
Theoretical Framework: Anchored in theory to guide data collection and analysis, supporting external validity12.
Pattern Matching: Compares empirical patterns with predicted ones to establish internal validity12.
Explanation Building: Iterative process to develop causal explanations of how and why events occur12.
Addressing Rival Explanations: Actively seeks evidence to confirm or refute alternative hypotheses12.
Use of Logic Models: Employs logical reasoning, often across multiple cases, to establish cause-effect relationships12.
Single or Multiple Cases: Can study one or several cases to enhance generalizability through replication logic12.
Reliability through Protocols: Maintains detailed case study protocols and databases to ensure consistency and auditability12.
Focus on Description and Understanding: Primarily descriptive and explanatory, not necessarily aimed at immediate problem-solving1415.
Differences Illustrated by an MBA Dissertation Project on AI in a Hong Kong Retail Bank’s Online Customer Service
In summary, the MBA student using action research would work closely with the bank to iteratively improve the AI customer service system, engaging stakeholders throughout to solve immediate problems. The student using Yin’s case study research would conduct a thorough investigation of the AI implementation as a bounded case, aiming to produce a detailed, theory-informed understanding of the phenomenon without direct intervention12131415."
My question 2: "In terms of gaining originality value, academic value and practical value, which research methodology, i.e. action research and case study research (the Robert Yin's version) is better for the conduct of an MBA dissertation project?"
The reply: "In an MBA dissertation project, the choice between action research and Robert Yin’s case study research depends on the value sought-originality, academic, or practical:
Originality Value
Action Research generates originality value by producing new, context-specific solutions through active collaboration with participants, allowing the researcher to co-create knowledge and practice improvements in real time. This leads to novel insights grounded in actual organizational change35.
Case Study Research offers originality value by providing a rich, detailed understanding of a phenomenon within its real-life context, often uncovering new theoretical insights or confirming/refining existing theories through rigorous data triangulation24.
Academic Value
Action Research contributes academically by linking theory and practice, developing new theories of practice through iterative cycles of reflection and action. However, it can be critiqued for less systematic rigor compared to traditional research methods35.
Case Study Research (Yin’s version) is academically strong due to its systematic approach, theoretical grounding, and methodological rigor (triangulation, pattern matching, replication logic), making it highly respected for generating credible and generalizable academic knowledge24.
Practical Value
Action Research excels in practical value by directly addressing and solving immediate organizational problems, involving stakeholders in change processes, and producing actionable improvements that benefit participants and organizations promptly35.
Case Study Research offers practical insights by deeply describing and explaining phenomena, which can inform decision-making and strategy but does not directly intervene or produce immediate changes24.
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