Reflections and Future Perspectives on Action Research for Sustainable Development in a Turbulent World

Abstract

This chapter is about ALARA and how the 2010 ALARA Eighth World Congress in Melbourne worked as a site for learning and development through publications and reflections on (1) an edited book based on a plenary symposium at this Congress, and (2) a panel discussion and book launch at the Australasian ALARA conference in Sydney in 2012. The majority of this book’s authors participated in both events and presented the message of their chapters, exploring real action possibilities for future sustainable development in their particular fields. Here three of them provide a brief account of their reflections: Ortrun Zuber-Skerritt writes the introduction and conclusion of the chapter, and comments on the background and conceptual framework of the book and its importance for the future; Bob Dick focuses on facilitative action leadership and more flexible approaches to addressing ‘wicked’ problems in an uncertain and complex world; and Lesley Wood focuses on action research for sustainable social transformation. The overall message is that participatory action learning and action research (PALAR) and facilitative action leadership can be effective methods for sustainable development in our turbulent world in the twenty-first century. Readers are encouraged to apply or adapt a similar action research process and method to maximize the effectiveness and sustainability of their collaborative work.