Exploring vulnerability and risk in an action research writing group: a cooperative inquiry

ABSTRACT

This article describes how, the authors, as members of an action research writing group, responded to a comment about feeling vulnerable in risking bringing their work-in-progress to the group and in giving feedback to colleagues by adopting a cooperative inquiry approach to explore vulnerability and risk in the group. In cooperative inquiry group members act as both co-researcher and co-subject in the inquiry and action. The article describes the evolution of the group and how the topic of exploring risk and vulnerability emerged. The group’s exploration is grounded in the theory and practice of cooperative inquiry that gives voice to the group members questioning and reflecting. The article concludes by offering three propositions to enhance the work of writing groups.

KEYWORDS:

• Cooperative inquiry
• action research
• writing group
• psychological safety
• risk
• appreciative stance

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).