Theorizing Transformations in Practice: an activity-theoretical perspective

Seminar, Thursday 22 January 2004 4-6pm

Yrjö Engeström,
University of Helsinki and University of California, San Diego

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• Presentation: Theorizing Transformations In Practice: an activity-theoretical perspective
• Paper: New Forms of Learning in Co-configuration Work (PDF)

Abstract

We propose, describe, and illustrate a form of action research that we call dialogical action research or dialogical AR. Like all forms of AR, dialogical AR promises to advance scientific theory and, at the same time, solve or remedy an actual 'real world' problem. However, unlike other forms of AR, dialogical AR chooses to emphasise, and actually make good use of, the distinction between the knowledge of the scientific researcher (theoria) and the knowledge of the real-world practitioner (praxis). Dialogical AR can help to resolve the 'rigour versus relevance' dilemma. We describe the philosophy behind dialogical AR and illustrate its use at a European company that we call 'Omega Corporation'.

This presentation is based on a paper jointly authored with Pär Mårtensson, Stockholm School of Economics.

This seminar is part of the ESRC funded ICTs in the contemporary world: work management and culture series and is open to the public. UK PhD students are particularly encouraged to participate and their travels costs are subsidised. Email e.s.keys@lse.ac.uk for more information about support for doctoral students.

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