Research for action and research in action. Processual and action research in dialogue?

Change is a key area of concern for academics and practitioners alike. However, the approaches applied in the research of change have been subject to sustained critiques regarding their neglect of the context and process of change, as well as the relationship between scholars and practitioners within the research process. This methodological paper considers two approaches to researching change in organisations which take account of these factors, albeit in different manners: processual research and action research. While entering the dialogue, the following are discussed: aims, philosophy, role of the researcher, conception of change, methodology, contribution and treatment of context, history, process and time. Whilst the two have underlying philosophical differences and will never merge, comparison provides valuable insights into the choices available to researchers and the trade-offs between process and outcomes in change-related research