Asset-Based Action Research: Transforming Complex Wellbeing Relationships

Following (inter)national policy agendas on wellbeing and co-production, health and social care systems in the UK are to be transformed based on a social model of health characterised by holistic, person-centred care and collaboration on collective outcomes. However, in practice there are conflicting views on who is actually responsible for individual and community wellbeing. Some seek to stimulate individual responsibility for health and reduce pressures on service providers, while others promote a co-productive approach of shared responsibilities for community wellbeing. A key issue to address is how to give shape to the changing relationships between individuals, civil society and public bodies. The main question this paper addresses is: how can complex wellbeing relationships be transformed? We develop an innovative Asset-Based Action Research approach that merges Asset-Based Community Development with Pragmatic Action Research and Systemic Action Research. First, we explore these approaches’ shared normative roots in community empowerment and philosophical groundings in critical-relational thinking about changing complex systems. Next, we explain how it enables academic and practice partners to transform complex wellbeing relationships by jointly mapping local assets, developing a community of practice, future visioning, mobilising assets, evaluating impact and leveraging institutional resources and support. Finally, we conclude by reflecting on the potential of Asset-Based Action Research for enabling transformative change of complex systems.