Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Triple Task Method: Systemic, Reflective Action Research

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Systemic Practice and Action Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This brief article introduces a new methodology for systemic action research—Triple Task (TT)—and sets out its rationale and initial progress in becoming an embedded method for group working. Arising from the authors previous work with soft systems approaches, the Imagine method for sustainable development assessment and action research in a variety of global locations, TT provides a means for groups to engage together in purposive work and, at the same time, for facilitators to understand how the dynamic of the group influences the groups output. TT is based on an ambitious concept and at the time of writing the results of TT applied in the context of an EU Framework 7 funded project are in their early stages but importantly, significant insights are already arising including the answers to some puzzling questions:

  • Do purposeful groups always produce the most insightful outcomes?

  • Do conflictual groups produce incoherent results?

  • What makes a ‘good’ group?

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5

Similar content being viewed by others

Notes

  1. The authors are aware of the danger of a research method presenting as a means to extract data and not share findings in partnership between researcher and researched. The ‘do-it-yourself’ version of TT will help to address this concern. Much more will be said about this in subsequent papers.

References

  • Barnes M, Newman J et al (2007) Power, case studies in public participation, participation and political renewal. London Policy Press, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Bell S (2000) Finding out rapidly: a soft systems approach to training needs analysis in Thailand. In: Wallace T (ed) Development and management. Oxfam Publication in association with the Open University, Oxford

  • Bell S, Morse S (2004) Experiences with sustainability indicators and stakeholder participation: a case study relating to a ‘Blue Plan’ project in Malta. Sust Dev 12:1–14

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bell S, Morse S (2009) Participatory visioning of indicator use. In: International sustainable development research conference, Utrecht

  • Blumberg HH (2006) A simplified version of the SYMLOG (R) trait rating form. Psychol Rep 99(1):46–50

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bridger H (2007) The consultant and the consulting process. In: Handout at the midhurst working conference, The Bayswater Institute London

  • Chambers R (2002) Participatory workshops: a sourcebook of 21 sets of ideas and activities. Earthscan, London

  • Checkland P, Jayastna N (2000) The soft systems reseach discussion group: taking stock, background, current position, future direction. Universtiy of Salford, Salford

  • Checkland PB, Scholes J (1990) Soft systems methodology in action. Wiley, Chichester

    Google Scholar 

  • Creighton J (2005) The public participation handbook: making better decisions through citizen involvement: a practical toolkit. Pfeiffer Wiley, Chichester

    Google Scholar 

  • Gottschick M (2008) Participatory sustainability impact assessment: scientific policy advice as a social learning process. Syst Pract Action Res 21(6):479–495

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haynes M (1995) Soft systems methodology. In: Ellis K (ed) Critical issues in systems theory and practice. Plenum, New York, pp 251–257

  • Hurley JR (1991) Self-acceptance, acceptance of others, and SYMLOG: equivalent measures of the two central interpersonal dimensions? J Clin Psychol 47(4):576–582

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Isenberg DJ, Ennis JG (1981) Perceiving group members: a comparison of derived and imposed dimensions. J Pers Soc Psychol 41(2):293–305

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Keyton J, Wall VDJ (1989) Symlog. Theory and method of measuring group and organisational communication. Manag Commun Q 2(4):544–567

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Klein L (2001) On the use of pshychoanalytic concepts in organizational social science. Concept Transform 6(1):59–72

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Klein L (2006) Joan Woodward memorial lecture—applied social science: is it just common sense? Hum Relat 59(8):1155–1172

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mingers J (2001) An idea ahead of its time: the history and development of soft systems methodology. Syst Pract Action Res 13(6):733–756

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nowack W (1987) SYMLOG as an instrument of internal and external perspective taking—construct-validation and temporal change. Int J Small Group Res 3(2):180–197

    Google Scholar 

  • Open University (2000) T306 managing complexity: a systems approach. Open University, Milton Keynes

  • Park JH (1985) SYMLOG as a method of a team diagnosis of soccer teams. Int J Sports Psychol 16(4):331–332

    Google Scholar 

  • Wall VDJ, Galanes GJ (1986) The SYMLOG dimensions and small group conflict. Cent States Speech J 37(2):61–78

    Google Scholar 

  • Winter M, Checkland P (2003) Soft systems: a fresh perspective for project management. Civil Eng 156:187–192

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Commission’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under the Grant Agreement No. 217207 (POINT Project, www.point.pb-works.com).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Open University, Milton Keynes, UK

    Simon Bell

  2. Bayswater Institute in London, London, UK

    Simon Bell

  3. Geography Department, University of Reading, Reading, UK

    Stephen Morse

Authors
  1. Simon Bell
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Stephen Morse
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Simon Bell.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Bell, S., Morse, S. Triple Task Method: Systemic, Reflective Action Research. Syst Pract Action Res 23, 443–452 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11213-010-9171-7

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11213-010-9171-7

Keywords

Search

Navigation