The dual agenda and the collaborative interactive action research methodology: reflections on gender, methodology and organisational change

This paper explores the process of research and qualitative methodology using an explicit gender lens. In particular, the paper offers reflections on our experience with the 'Dual Agenda' concept of gender equity and organisational effectiveness and its associated methodology, as we have applied it in two Australian organisations. We report on the organisational entry and diagnosis stages; reactions from organisational members; and our experiences as an all female research team interrogating gender, organisational effectiveness and the 'ideal worker'. In the new industrial relations environment we suggest that it will become even more critical that the link between gender equity and organisational effectiveness is made. Yet, if our research is a guide, this is not easy to achieve.