Action Research
The methodology employed by Team Play Consulting Inc. in its facilitation work and research projects is action-based research.
Leading research specialist, Lewin, defines action research as a three-step spiral process of:
- planning,
- taking actions,
- fact finding about the results of the action.
Action research is genuine and iterative, and produces refinements in practice as the process evolves. Action research is a collaborative, co-creation model of inquiry and analysis that involves and honors the value of all cross-functional levels of any organization regardless of status or position.
Team Play Consulting Inc. is committed to transparency in process. For this reason research findings are shared with all members of an organization, a process that encourages double loop learning and feedback.
Interviews are a “guided conversation whose goal is to elicit from the interviewee rich, detailed materials that can be used in a qualitative analysis” (Lofland and Lofland, 1984, p.12). “There are no objective observations” (Palys, 1997, p.205); we always look through our respective lenses. Palys (1997) explains that, “Acknowledging that people construct reality implies that there are actually many realities”; “Understanding … involves being able to explain unique behavior in context …” and “Good theory is not imposed; rather, it emerges from direct observation and contact with people in context” (pp. 35-36).
Once information is gathered and analyzed, Team Play Consulting Inc. is able to effectively develop training and facilitation that will be delivered in a relevant and meaningful way, targeted specifically for the organization that is receiving it. All research and facilitation developed through this process is agency specific and will never be the same twice!!
Current Research Projects
SOS – Secure Online Services
Secure Online Services is Team Play Consulting Inc.’s answer to counseling and resources for the 21st Century. This program is still under development and awaiting funding approval. >>For more Information
Corrections Services Canada -Women's Institution
This contract provides supports to survivors of abuse and trauma at the Fraser Valley Institution. This program provides trauma supports to federally sentenced women who are survivors of abuse and trauma. This program combines clinical and support services that encompass a philosophy of personal responsibility and accountability and ensure the complex dynamics of the oppression of women are recognized.
Completed Research Projects
BC Youth Safe House Review:
This project demonstrates how the Team Play Consulting and Olive Branch Consulting worked together to complete a provincial review of Safe House services. The proposed project plan uses a participatory and collaborative evaluative approach to ensure meaningful, useable data is received from an adequate representation of all stakeholders. Using an appreciative inquiry and action research approach we completed surveys and focus groups throughout the province of BC.
National Crime Prevention/Servant’s Anonymous Society
We are currently participating in the development of a research project that is sponsored by National Crime Prevention and Servant’s Anonymous Society. The project is about men who access the services of sex trade workers. A curriculum and facilitation program was developed based on the research recommendations and outcomes. The program included the development and delivery of a fifteen-week program for couples aimed at enhancing self-esteem, communication skills and boundaries in their relationship.
RIGHT TURN FROM NOWHERE : Examining the stories of perpetrators in the youth sex trade
This was Deirdre’s Thesis Project. It is an action research project that provided a purposive sample of men in the Lower Mainland of BC who were arrested and referred to a restorative justice program for “communicating for the purposes of prostitution”. The research examines preventative strategies to address sexual exploitation through in depth and detailed interviews with the “johns” and other support staff who offer strategies to address the research questions.
Navigating the Divide: Leadership Training in the 21st Century
This work formed the basis of Vern’s Thesis. The concept that all people are capable of leadership is gaining popularity in the concept of organizations, and as a global social discipline. Research indicates attrition and Successorship will soon be cause for concern in the corporate world. The solution lies in reinforcing the need to enhance individual and group capacity through leadership training.
International Child and Youth Congress
We successfully submitted an abstract and presented research on the issue of youth sexual exploitation. The poster presentation was attended by over seventy countries and offered a comparative look at local and global issues pertaining to sexual exploitation.
Research Partner - McReary Youth Foundation - Vancouver, BC
We were involved with a research network through McReary Youth Foundation and recently provided information on literature relating to youth sexual exploitation and youth in an effort to review the current academic literature.
