Book Description

Integral Research is a unique framework and process for research in the social sciences. It is written for practitioners and students, wishing to undertake research, which has an innovative impact on their organisations, communities and societies. It is aiming to develop true Social Innovators. Doing so, it is set to overcome the core dilemma that social science research is not contributing significantly to the burning (social) issues of our time. Integral Research is "integral" in two ways. First, it covers approaches to research methodology, in theory and practice, from all over the world, including not only Europe and America, but also Africa, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and Latin America. Second, it links method and methodology, critique and innovatory action-oriented research in a way, that social research is transformed into social innovation. "The authors Lessem and Schieffer have written this remarkable book on "Research Methodology" which is responsive to all relevant stakeholders. Researchers from the North, the South, the East and the West are now able to draw on their own roots to turn social research into social innovation. A major achievement!" Prof. Dr. Martin Hilb Managing Director, Institute for Leadership and HRM, University of St. Gallen, Switzerland This is a unique book since it blends social transformation with business and culture. In an era of global challenges from poverty to climate change, this book offers new notions for enabling and harnessing research to transform organizations and societies." Prof. Odeh Al Jayyousi Regional Director Middle East, IUCN The World Conservation Union, Geneva, Switzerland "Ronnie Lessem and Alexander Schieffer have developed a bold new way of framing transformation processes that crosses the boundaries of several disciplines." Prof. Dr. Raoul C. D. Nacamulli Universit di Milano-Bicocca, Italy "It is a timely and pioneering book which successfully demonstrates the intellectual and the practical grounds of 'scial innovation'." Prof. Adel Rasheed Professor of Management, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan "I am convinced that this book, and the integral approach to research it advocates, has the potential to advance much needed social innovation in response to the many perplexing problems facing humanity in the 21st Century and beyond." Dr. Samuel D. Rima Director, Doctor of Ministry Program, Bethel University, St. Paul, USA