Action shift : cyclically reflexive constructivist grounded action research informs pragmatic collaborative natural resource management strategies and tools for consideration by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, pacific region

Abstract

Grounded theory methodology blended with action research can provide creative approaches to addressing policy-oriented questions with practical outcomes. Practical policy-oriented research outcomes are illustrated through an integrated constructivist grounded action research policy case study applied to collaborative natural resource management for Fisheries and Oceans Canada's (DFO) consideration. The study developed grounded theory, which reflexively informed collaborative strategies and supported action-oriented collaborative tool development. Outcomes were developed to address each of three research questions through cyclical reflexivity of researcher action shifts. Each action shift entailed cyclical reflexivity through re-visitation of data in light of both developed grounded theory and previous research question outcomes. As such, each question was addressed in reflexive cycles that built upon previous research outcomes, which was complimented by authorial reflexively. This constructivist grounded action bricolage demonstrates a reflexive, pragmatic, systematic approach to policy-oriented recommendations and tool development. Reflexive constructivist grounded action shift research supported strategic, integrated policy-oriented research outcomes for DFO Pacific Region's consideration. The hope of this research is to encourage further exploration of constructivist grounded action research as a dynamic, reflexive avenue that can support integrated adaptive organizational policies and management.