Action Research Project

Critical Mass Analysis

Unit 2

Slyvan Green

GM505 Action Research and Consulting Skills

Professor Heidi Gregory-Mina

September 11, 2017

Introduction

The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical mass analysis for the action research project that will discuss ways of improving the recruitment rate of college graduates into an organization. Before the study can continue, it is imperative to name the stakeholders for this project as well as address their current and future involvement in the project. As the action researcher, it is my job to help the stakeholders find a resolution to the issue at hand. The determined stakeholders will be the influencers of this assignment. They will also be given permission to make suggestions, changes, as well as give information to the formed data throughout the project.

Roles and Involvement

There are three stakeholders involved in this action research project as indicated in the Critical Mass Index (Appendix). Eric Miller is college graduate who is currently unemployed. His role in this project will be a key player in changing the process of recruitment. He is excited about the project as he feels that the issue is something that needs addressing. He will attend all of the team meetings as well as meet with me individually twice a week in order to complete the project. As the project progresses, he will remain a signature person in this project.

Randee Clayton-Myers is the Human Resources talent manager. Her role in this project will be played in the process of recruitment and hiring of the graduates. She has agreed to show some of her notes detailing some of the feedback she has received from former employees during interviews. Of course, this information will be in a report that will not disclose names or any other sensitive information.

Melissa Sanchez is the customer support manager. Because of her schedule, she will not attend all of the team meetings but she has stated that her door is open for a one-on-one meeting if need be. As it stands to date, Mr. Eric Miller role in this project is as a helper. He provides his ideas, time & effort, and availability when needed for interview. He has stated that if I need him to be in more of a “make it happen” role, he is willing to do so. Since this is the case, I am more than happy to keep him in the role that he is currently in and if need be, his position can be adjusted accordingly at a later date.

Application of Cultural Literacy

During this research project, it will be important to use a high level of communication. Everyone’s opinion on the issue and resolutions will be diverse and my own biases for the person or opinions will need to be lessened. In order to succeed in this matter, I am going to practice more active listening. “This is where you make a conscious effort to hear not only the words that another person is saying but, more importantly, try to understand the complete message being sent (Active Listening: Hear what People are really saying, 2007, p. 1).” Also, since each of the stakeholders are of a different nationality, it is important to remember the rules of not using jargon, especially during the interview process.

Reflection on Critical Mass Analysis Phase

By completing the critical mass analysis, I was able to determine everyone’s current role in the project as well as their future role. I was also able to determine if I needed or wanted them to work closer with me or have less of a role in the project. This will save me time in the long run because for those that I need to work closer with, if any, I can ask them in advance for their permission and schedule. As it stands, I realized that everyone was working in the positions that I needed them.

Conclusion

The purpose of this paper was to examine critical mass analysis in relation to an action research project, name the stakeholders, and provide their roles in the action research project as it stands today. Eric Miller and Randee Clayton-Myers are working closely with me in order to achieve the desired results for the project. So far what has been learned by writing this paper is that, there is a need to brush up on active listening skills. As it stands now, everything is in order for the kick off meeting this upcoming week with all three of the stakeholders and their involvement in the project will prove beneficial as the project progresses.

References

Active Listening: Hear what People are really saying. (2007). Retrieved from Mind Tools: http://www.mindtools.com/CommSkll/ActiveListening.htm.

Stringer, E. T. (2007). Action Research 3rd Edition. Los Angeles, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.