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

by Larwood, Laurie; Gattiker, Urs E.; Kulik, Carol T.; Earley, P. Christopher

• ISBN13: 9780805821048
• ISBN10: 080582104X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1999-08-01
• Publisher: Lawrence Erlbau

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	p. ix
Introduction: Making an Impact	p. 1
Views From the Front Line: Understanding the Issues ... Keynote Articles	p. 15
Bridging Research to Corporate Application	p. 17
Publishing as Knowledge Transfer	p. 47
From Theory Into Practice: Reflections of a Senior Academic	p. 55
What Executives Really Want and Use	p. 73
Is Knowledge Transfer and Application a Problem? Differing Considerations	p. 95
Creating Value From Scientific Endeavor: Can and Should We Translate Research Results for the Practitioner?	p. 97
Commentary: Bridging Research to Corporate Application	p. 105
Thinking Outside the Box: A Commentary on Lynn Luckow's Chapter	p. 115
Knowledge Transfer: For What Purpose?	p. 123
Management Research and Management Practice: Learning From Our Colleagues in Economics	p. 129
An Eight-Step Approach to Enhance the Application of Organizational Research	p. 137
How You Can Make an Impact: Getting Down to Business	p. 145
Burack's Research to Application Connection Viewed Through a Wider Lens	p. 147
Personal Commitment in the Transference of Theory Into Practice	p. 155
Practice-to Theory-to Practice: Bridging Academic/Research Career Gaps, Recommendations to New Entrants	p. 163
Commentary on Vanetti's "What Executives Really Want and Use"	p. 173
Modeling the Impact: What are the Guiding Principles?	p. 181
Of Vegetables, Carrot Cake, and Castor Oil: What Must We Transfer and Why	p. 185
Broadening the Exploration: Comments on Vanetti's Exploring the Acceptance of New Ideas by Managers	p. 199
On the Future of Applied Research: Speculations and Commentary	p. 207
Commentary on Delbecq's "Theory Into Practice"	p. 219
Bridging the Gap Between the Academic and Business Worlds: Response to Andre L. Delbecq	p. 227
If There Is No Change, Are We Still Change Agents?	p. 233
Publishing as Knowledge Transfer: A Commentary and a Reflection	p. 241
Making the Impact: Conclusions for Theory and Practice	p. 253
Impact Analysis: Creating a Usable Science	p. 255
Impact Analysis: Issues of Concern and Caution	p. 273
Contributors	p. 281
Author Index	p. 291
Subject Index	p. 297
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