Driven by two masters, serving both: the interplay of problem solving and research in information systems action research projects

One of the challenges of action research is the need simultaneously to serve two 'masters': as researchers, we need to produce rigorous, relevant research to advance our understanding and knowledge of our discipline. However, there is also a responsibility to intervene in organisational contexts and improve or ameliorate situations or issues perceived to be problematic, and thus, action researchers need also to be problem solvers and change agents. This chapter will discuss this duality of purpose, and discuss ways in which action researchers can successfully manage to address both the research imperative and the problem solving imperative in real world organisational contexts. An argument will be made to suggest that given both the research and action-oriented nature of action research, it is essential that IS action researchers have a sound appreciation of the nature of organisational contexts and of the information systems implemented in response to environmental problems, challenges and opportunities. The chapter will approach the need to serve two masters by suggesting a conceptualization which might support this, and will relate an action research case to this conceptual frame.