Dual Imperatives of Action Research: Lessons from Theoretical Research Practice to Construct Social Development Index by Using Soft Systems Methodology

This paper provides an illustration of practices of dual imperatives of action research as mentioned by McKay and Marshall (2001). An action research (AR) is conducted in the field of street vendors promotion program perceived to be representing the implementation of social development, a sociological-based development perspectives. Soft Systems Methodology is used in this AR to tackling social complexity, instead of many other systems thinking approaches. A research interest reflection based on theoretical framework (F), methodology for research interest (Mr) and specified research question (A) as introduced by McKay and Marshall (2001) is conducted aiming at constructing social development index as main priority of the research objective. In fact, however, at the same time the researchers have a significant field research experience which is to be potentially as a basis for a problem solving action to reflect on specified problem solving (P) and methodology for problem solving interest (Mps). Such experience confirms the conceptualization of dual imperatives of AR introduced by McKay and Marshall (2001), in which “two separate but interconnected and interacting cycles: one cycle representing and focused on problem solving interest in AR, and the other cycle representing and focused upon the research interest in AR”. While a preliminary social development index is constructed consisting of 28 variables, 42 indicators and 42 numerical criteria, is constructed in the context of research interest, a number of clarified issues are identified as a part of individual understanding about a city to promote street vendor promotion program.