Open AccessConnecting Policy, Research and Practice: What does it mean in practice?
Author(s) -
Meenakshi Sankar,
Roberta Hill
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
labour, employment and work in new zealand
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2463-2600
DOI - 10.26686/lew.v0i0.1215
Subject(s) - expansive , work (physics) , research policy , government (linguistics) , bridging (networking) , knowledge management , case study research , public relations , business , sociology , political science , computer science , engineering , public administration , mechanical engineering , computer network , linguistics , philosophy , materials science , compressive strength , composite material
In this paper we discuss a case study-based methodology for evaluation and policy development within the Department of Labour (DoL), which was jointly developed with the Centre for Research on Work, Education and Business (WEB Research) between 1997-2002. We illustrate the particular role of research in bridging policy and practice, and discuss our experiences in developing and using this methodology to understand the systemic linkages between regulation, firm behaviour and policy.By using a developmental research approach (Engestrom, 1996), distributed teams and the eo-construction of research tools, the case study-based research and evaluation methodology has generated expansive learning cycles (ibid.) for government agencies, researchers and stakeholders. Examples are drawn from the work undertaken by the Department of Labour and WEB Research, in particular evaluating Accident Insurance and Employment Regulation The paper examines some of the methodological issues and challenges involved in such an approach; as well as the implications for processes of policy formation, and for contract and project management.