Role of First Person Reflection in Bridging Grounded Theory and Action Research � An illustration
In this article, I contribute to the discourse on building theory within the context of action research by proposing that first person reflection can be a bridge between action research and grounded theory. I describe the four ways in which this happens. They are role of researcher�s identity, researcher�s sense of affirmation and ambivalence, interplay between ontological subjectivity and epistemological objectivity, and use of theory. The field study of a social change movement in India provides the context for this discussion.
Action Research, Revise & Resubmit, Action Research
The Dark Side of Water: A Struggle for Its Access and Control - a teaching case
Water is a life-sustaining resource that many global citizens take for granted; but for citizens of Chennai, India, access to water cannot be automatically assumed. This case presents a contemporary story on the struggle for access to and control of water, a scarce resource in Chennai (formally known as Madras), the state capital of Tamil Nadu. Chennai's struggle for water deeply impacts not only Kuthambakkam, a village on the outskirts of Chennai where the water supply is relatively plentiful, but also other rural areas and the entire state. Open access to water, and the desire to protect and control that access, compels the interest of many stakeholders in this story.
(with Anita Howard) Winner, CMS Dark side case study competition, AOM 2005
The Mystery of Capital � a case for moving beyond capitalism
The intent of the paper is to argue for the need to move beyond capitalism and evolve alternate structures and systems to ensure an equitable and healthy planet. I do it through a historical analysis of the process of colonization of India, Development of the third world by the First World and its institutions for the last forty years and the process of globalization in the last six years, in the context of India. This paper also draws from the history of movement of rebellion and revolutions in India through colonial and current post colonial and global times.
Presented at AOM 2003 and nominated for Carolyn Dexter Award
Reclamation of sacredness as a source of generative capacities �a new theory of organizational change
Based on a qualitative study of a successful grassroots social transformation initiative in India, this paper presents a dynamic process model of organizational change induced from the data and proposes that reclamation of sacredness can be a source of generative capacities of organizations for transformation. This process which begins with recognition of the sacred encompasses a potential to spiral to escalating levels of positive change. In this particular community, water becomes a metaphor for sacredness. I also identify implications for research and lay down four lines of inquiry: a call to build a bridge between the discourses of Critical Management Studies and Organizational Spirituality, Change Leadership, Impact of alignment between Vision and Organizational Routines on change and a redefinition of Mindfulness as an organizational property.
Journal of Organizational Change Management, Under Review
Organizations � Emotional Sahara or Sacred Spaces - A drama (!) with many Acts but the same scene
All writing creates a particular view of reality. This play aims at showing both the magic of organizations created and imagined by some and the other extreme of iron cages and institutionalization experiences by some others and tries to give voice to people caught in these life situations. The very choice of my method of writing reflects a particular form of self-organization, an open and innovative approach, and willingness to embrace the chaotic world with open arms. The text of the play lends itself to multiple interpretations and the reader plays an active role in the reading and interpretation of it.
Culture & Organization, Under Review
Catalyzing a learning network to support breastfeeding: Creating space for community partnerships to develop (with Sandy Piderit)
A new mother�s decision to breastfeed her baby is not simply an individual decision, but is influenced by the support she anticipates receiving from her family, her medical caregivers, and her workplace. To increase rates of breastfeeding initiation, Northeast Ohio is launching a breastfeeding education and advocacy network, bringing together concerned parents and children�s advocates with representatives from the medical, nursing, educational, employment, entrepreneurship, insurance, and government sectors. This action research project (Friedman, 2001; Reason and Bradbury, 2001; Senge and Scharmer, 2001) uses an appreciative inquiry approach (Cooperrider and Srivastva (1987) with variations based in Piderit�s (2000) propositions about the benefits and challenges of fostering ambivalence rather than seeking affirmation early in an organizational change process. As such, we are focused on the question of how we can organize the network of breastfeeding advocates and educators in order to shift their interactions from information sharing and occasional voluntary support into a deeper and more meaningful process of transformative cooperation. Our focus is on understanding what elements of process and context make it possible for individuals from previously disconnected and even antagonistic stakeholder groups to initiate cooperative projects.
Presented at the first international Community, Work, and Family conference in Manchester, UK. March.2005 and is now at the stage of Revise and Resubmit at the Journal of Community, Work and Family