Learning from the apprentice: an account of action research practice in a university department

An action research project, managed by a graduate student, resulted in the development of an academic website as an effective internal and external communication tool. The main focus of the investigation was to uncover the tacit knowledge held by staff in the Department of Management Communication through a series of in-depth interviews, a focus group, and informal conversations to facilitate the development of a website which effectively captured this knowledge. The cyclical nature of the action research methodology provided the flexibility to ensure that issues could be addressed as they arose; although the relative unfamiliarity of staff with action research methodologies created other barriers to be overcome. The key outcome for the staff was that they became aware of the extent of the tacit knowledge and resources available in the department; they valued these, and they utilised them effectively. The research highlights the different learning outcomes experienced by the student researcher, supervisors and departmental colleagues.