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Doctorates by Action Research for Senior Practising Managers

Traditionally, PhD programmes in management have been viewed as an entrance into academia rather than a qualification for senior managers in industry. This paper argues that it is appropriate to make a distinction between a traditional PhD and a professional doctorate in management, and that a professional doctorate can be designed specifically for the development of senior management practices. We first examine the history of doctorate degrees and establish differences between a PhD and a professional doctorate programme. Next, we examine five defences of a traditional PhD programme which are inappropriate foundations for a professional doctorate in management. Then we suggest an action research basis for a professional doctorate, but conclude that this basis is still so alien to those who accredit doctorates that more research and development is needed to convince all stakeholders that a professional doctorate by action research leads to professional and career development of senior practising managers as well as to the advancement of knowledge. Finally, we offer a framework for combining action research projects into traditional PhD theses.