Impact Analysis: How Research Can Enter Application and Make A Difference

by Larwood; Laurie

• ISBN13: 9780805821031
• ISBN10: 0805821031
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1999-08-01
• Publisher: Psychology Pres

Summary

Throughout the social sciences, the gap between research and application is a reminder that the goals of scholars and practitioners are not always one and the same. Still, the best scholarship is often acknowledged to be that which informs practice, and the best practice--whether defined in terms of efficiency, flexibility, long-term vision, or even profit--is often that which is based on relevant research. This book presents a discussion among eminent researchers, practitioners, and consultants of the new field of "Impact Analysis." They address three central issues: *the practical ways in which scholars can better ensure that their work has an important influence on practice; *the pros and cons in forging a closer connection between research, consulting, and practice; and *how, despite potential drawbacks, a closer relationship between research and practice can be mutually beneficial. In addition to practical advice, the participants offer predictions that will be of interest to applied researchers in this field and business-oriented professionals.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
1. Introduction: Making an Impact	1	(14)
Laurie Larwood
Urs E. Gattiker
PART I: VIEWS FROM THE FRONT LINE: UNDERSTANDING THE ISSUES... KEYNOTE ARTICLES	15	(80)
2. Bridging Research to Corporate Application	17	(30)
Elmer H. Burack
3. Publishing as Knowledge Transfer An Interview with Lynn D. W. Luckow	47	(8)
Andre L. Delbecq
4. From Theory Into Practice: Reflections of a Senior Academic	55	(18)
Andre L. Delbecq
5. What Executives Really Want and Use	73	(22)
Eric Vanetti
PART II: IS KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER AND APPLICATION A PROBLEM? DIFFERING CONSIDERATIONS	95	(50)
6. Creating Value From Scientific Endeavor. Can and Should We Translate Research Results for the Practitioner?	97	(8)
P. Christopher Earley
7. Commentary: Bridging Research to Corporate Application	105	(10)
Carol T. Kulik
8. Thinking Outside the Box: A Commentary on Lynn Luckow's Chapter	115	(8)
Ellen Andrea Fagenson-Eland
9. Knowledge Transfer. For What Purpose?	123	(6)
Janet P. Near
10. Management Research and Management Practice: Learning From Our Colleagues in Economics	129	(8)
Howard Garland
11. An Eight-Step Approach to Enhance the Application of Organizational Research	137	(8)
Thomas A. Wright
PART III: HOW YOU CAN MAKE AN IMPACT: GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS	145	(36)
12. Burack's Research to Application Connection Viewed Through a Wider Lens	147	(8)
Craig C. Lundberg
13. Personal Commitment in the Transference of Theory Into Practice	155	(8)
Alan M. Glassman
14. Practice-to Theory-to Practice: Bridging Academic/Research Career Gaps, Recommendations to New Entrants	163	(10)
Joseph W. Weiss
15. Commentary on Vanetti's "What Executives Really Want and Use"	173	(8)
Karen S. Byrd
PART IV: MODELING THE IMPACT: WHAT ARE THE GUIDING PRINCIPLES?	181	(72)
16. Of Vegetables, Carrot Cake, and Castor Oil: What Must We Transfer and Why	185	(14)
Richard N. Osborn
17. Broadening the Exploration: Comments on Vanetti's Exploring the Acceptance of New Ideas by Managers	199	(8)
Walter Nord
18. On the Future of Applied Research: Speculations and Commentary	207	(12)
Carole L. Popoff
Dean H. Judson
19. Commentary on Delbecq's "Theory Into Practice"	219	(8)
Robert A. Blumenthal
20. Bridging the Gap Between the Academic and Business Worlds: Response to Andre L. Delbecq	227	(6)
Marsha Palitz-Elliott
Frederick A. Eigenbrod
21. If There Is No Change, Are We Still Change Agents?	233	(8)
J. Duane Hoover
22. Publishing as Knowledge Transfer: A Commentary and a Reflection	241	(12)
Abraham B. (Rami) Shani
Torbjom Stjernberg
PART V: MAKING THE IMPACT: CONCLUSIONS FOR THEORY AND PRACTICE	253	(28)
23. Impact Analysis: Creating a Usable Science	255	(18)
Laurie Larwood
Urs E. Gattiker
24. Impact Analysis: Issues of Concern and Caution	273	(8)
Laurie Larwood
Urs E. Gattiker
Contributors	281	(10)
Author Index	291	(6)
Subject Index	297