scholarly journals Gifts, reciprocity and ethically sound ethnographic research: a reflexive framework

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 66-79
Author(s):  
Anna Kirkebæk Johansson Gosovic
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Quality ◽  
Ethnographic Research ◽  
Independent Research ◽  
Professional Networks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Anthropological Theory ◽  
Organizational Ethnography ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Relevant Field

Purpose Within organizational ethnography, getting access to relevant field sites often requires us to draw on personal and professional networks. Likewise, externally funded research is no longer a rarity. The question is what such financial and social ties mean for our research practices as organizational ethnographers and for our interactions with and descriptions of the field. The purpose of this paper is to address this question and to develop our understanding and practice of organizational ethnography by expanding the methodological literature on research ethics as well as our tools to evaluate research quality. Design/methodology/approach Based on ethnographic fieldwork in a multinational pharmaceutical corporation, and building on previous literature on ethics and quality in qualitative research, this paper introduces a reflexive framework for understanding our personal and financial entanglements in the field and the possible impact of such entanglements on our research findings and representation of informants and events. Findings Drawing on anthropological theory of reciprocity and gift-giving, the paper argues that social and financial entanglements with the field will urge the ethnographer to reciprocate; e.g. by thinking twice about unflattering representations and criticism of those with whom we are entangled. However, the paper further argues that such reflections are an important part of conducting ethically sound ethnographic research. Originality/value Rather than subscribing to an illusion of independent research, this paper demonstrates how we as organizational ethnographers get entangled with the fields that we study and what implications this might have for our practices and representations of these fields.

scholarly journals After Herzog: blurring fact and fiction in visual organizational ethnography

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 202-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Markus Walz ◽  
Patrizia Hoyer ◽  
Matt Statler
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Ethnographic Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Werner Herzog ◽  
Ethnographic Studies ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Organizational Ethnography ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Multiple Media

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to introduce the unique artistic approach of film-maker Werner Herzog as an inspiration to rethink ethnographic studies in general and the notion of reflexivity in particular. Design/methodology/approach This paper reviews the particularities of Werner Herzog’s approach to filmmaking, linking them to the methodological tradition of visual ethnography and especially the debate about the role of reflexivity and performativity in research. Findings Herzog’s conceptualization of meaning as “ecstatic truth” offers an avenue for visual organizational ethnographers to rethink reflexivity and performativity, reframe research findings and reorganize research activities. The combination of multiple media and the strong authorial involvement exhibited in Herzog’s work, can inspire and guide the development of “meaningful” organizational ethnographies. Originality/value The paper argues that practicing visual organizational ethnography “after Herzog” offers researchers an avenue to engage creatively with their research in novel and highly reflexive ways. It offers a different way to think through some of the challenges often associated with ethnographic research.

scholarly journals The impostor syndrome: language barriers in organizational ethnography

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Virginia Rosales
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Language Barriers ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Ethnographic Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Local Language ◽  
The Past ◽  
Organizational Ethnography ◽  
Impostor Syndrome

PurposeThe use of organizational ethnography has grown significantly during the past decades. While language is an important component of ethnographic research, the challenges associated with language barriers are rarely discussed in the literature. The purpose of this paper is to open up a discussion on language barriers in organizational ethnography.Design/methodology/approachThe author draws on her experience as a PhD student doing an organizational ethnography of an emergency department in a country where she initially did not speak the local language.FindingsThe paper examines the author's research process, from access negotiation to presentation of findings, illustrating the language barriers encountered doing an ethnography in parallel to learning the local language in Sweden.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper calls for awareness of the influence of the ethnographer's language skills and shows the importance of discussing this in relation to how we teach and learn ethnography, research practice and diversity in academia.Originality/valueThe paper makes three contributions to organizational ethnography. First, it contributes to the insider/outsider debate by nuancing the ethnographer's experience. Second, it answers calls for transparency by presenting a personal ethnographic account. Third, it contributes to developing the methodology by offering tips to deal with language barriers in doing ethnography abroad.

scholarly journals Increasing rigor and relevance in service research through ethnography

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-77
Author(s):  
Catharina von Koskull
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Quality Criteria ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Research Quality ◽  
Service Research ◽  
Ethnographic Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ethnographic Studies ◽  
Cultural Codes ◽  
Ethnographic Methodology

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how traditional ethnography as an established methodology can promote and strengthen both rigor and relevance in qualitative service research. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on ethnographic methodology literature and experience of ethnographic studies in the field. Findings In particular, the three ethnographic aspects of fieldwork, prolonged time in the field and sensitivity to language and cultural codes can increase rigor in service research, while the central ethnographic premises of flexibility and reflexivity can contribute to its relevance. Research limitations/implications Service researchers are encouraged to consider engaging in ethnographic research and to realize its potential to increase both rigor and relevance in service research endeavors. Originality/value Rigor and relevance are central and important research quality criteria, and these are often referred to as being mutually exclusive. This paper suggests how traditional ethnography can promote and strengthen both rigor and relevance in qualitative service research and thereby further advance this research area.

Whose home is it anyway? Performing multiple selves while doing organizational ethnography

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 176-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boukje Cnossen
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Critical Reflection ◽  
Research Process ◽  
The Other ◽  
Ethnographic Research ◽  
Multiple Selves ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Ethnography ◽  
Conducting Research ◽  
At Home

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to nuance the idea of natural access proposed by Mats Alvesson in his description of at-home ethnography, and to offer a performative view of Alvesson’s suggestion that, in at-home ethnography, the ethnographer must work with “the processual nature of the researcher’s self.”Design/methodology/approachThe author offers a reflection on the several years of ethnographic research the author conducted, of which some parts were done in a living community of which the author was part. Being literally at home, as well as being very familiar in the other research settings the author describes, allows for a critical reflection on what “at-homeness” means.FindingsUsing Butler’s notion of performativity, the author argues that “the processual nature of the researcher’s self” Alvesson speaks of, can best be understood as multiple selves, of which some emerge during the research process. The author furthermore problematizes Alvesson’s use of the term “natural access,” by arguing that this kind of access is neither easy, nor devoid of power relations.Originality/valueThis paper uses an experience of conducting research in the home, as well as an experience conducting research in a setting where the researcher arguably blent in well, to question what the “at-home” in at-home ethnography means, and how the researcher can deal with it.

Challenges to economic integration and social inclusion of Syrian refugees in Turkey

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-18
Author(s):  
Christina Bache
Keyword(s):  
Economic Integration ◽  
Armed Conflict ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Syrian Refugees ◽  
Independent Research ◽  
Humanitarian Crisis ◽  
Local Dynamics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Government

Purpose The following question drove this research: Would the pursuit of a rights-based approach, one that considers local dynamics and political sensitivities result in greater economic integration and social inclusion of Syrian refugees in Turkey? The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach This piece draws on independent research the author conducted in Turkey and other frontline states to the war in Syria from 2016 to 2018. Findings Despite a shift in government policy toward Syrian refugees, without an overarching rights-based approach that includes the participation of all stakeholders and considers local dynamics and political sensitivities, enhancing the livelihood security of Syrian refugees and vulnerable members of host communities remains bleak in Turkey. Originality/value This original paper closely examines the Government of Turkey’s response to the humanitarian crisis that was precipitated by the armed conflict in Syria. The paper also examines the socioeconomic dynamics and increased tensions between the Syrian refugee and host communities.

Qualitative generalising in accounting research: concepts and strategies

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 1100-1131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee D. Parker ◽  
Deryl Northcott
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
General Applicability ◽  
Information Systems Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Accounting Research ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Quality Of Research

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify and articulate concepts and approaches to qualitative generalisation that will offer qualitative accounting researchers avenues for enhancing and justifying the general applicability of their research findings and conclusions. Design/methodology/approach – The study and arguments draw from multidisciplinary approaches to this issue. The analysis and theorising is based on published qualitative research literatures from the fields of education, health sciences, sociology, information systems, management and marketing, as well as accounting. Findings – The paper develops two overarching generalisation concepts for application by qualitative accounting researchers. These are built upon a number of qualitative generalisation concepts that have emerged in the multidisciplinary literatures. It also articulates strategies for enhancing the generalisability of qualitative accounting research findings. Research limitations/implications – The paper provides qualitative accounting researchers with understandings, arguments and justifications for the generalisability of their research and the related potential for wider accounting and societal contributions. It also articulates the key factors that impact on the quality of research generalisation that qualitative researchers can offer. Originality/value – This paper presents the most comprehensively sourced and developed approach to the concepts, strategies and unique deliverables of qualitative generalising hitherto available in the accounting research literature.

Employee's lying behavior and the role of self-awareness

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirk Chang ◽  
Sylvain Max ◽  
Jérémy Celse
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Deductive Reasoning ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Laboratory Setting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Employee’s lying behavior has become ubiquitous at work, and managers are keen to know what can be done to curb such behavior. Managers often apply anti-lying strategies in their management and, in particular, the role of self-awareness on lying intervention has drawn academic attention recently. Drawing on multi-disciplinary literature, this study aims to investigate the efficacy of self-awareness in reducing lying behavior. Design/methodology/approach Following the perspectives of positivism and deductive reasoning, a quasi-experimental research approach was adopted. Employees from Dijon, France were recruited as research participants. Based on the literature, different conditions (scenario manipulation) were designed and implemented in the laboratory, in which participants were exposed to pre-set lying opportunities and their responses were analyzed accordingly. Findings Unlike prior studies which praised the merits of self-awareness, the authors found that self-awareness did not decrease lying behavior, not encouraging the confession of lying either. Employees actually lied more when they believed other employees were lying. Practical implications This study suggests managers not to rely on employee’s self-awareness; rather, the concept of self-awareness should be incorporated into the work ethics, and managers should schedule regular workshops to keep employees informed of the importance of ethics. When employees are regularly reminded of the ethics and appreciate its importance, their intention of lying is more likely to decrease. Originality/value To the best of the atuhors’ knowledge, the current research is the first in its kind to investigate lying intervention of employees in the laboratory setting. Research findings have brought new insights into the lying intervention literature, which has important implication on the implementation of anti-lying strategies.

Purchasing behaviour and supplier base evolution – a longitudinal case study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Dubois ◽  
Lars-Erik Gadde ◽  
Lars-Gunnar Mattsson
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Supplier Relationships ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Purchasing Behaviour ◽  
Time Periods

Purpose The purpose of the paper is to describe and analyse the evolution of the supplier base of a buying firm and the reasons behind these changes. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on a case study of the changes over 52 years in a sub-set of the supplier base of a firm manufacturing fork-lifts. Findings The study shows that some relationships feature substantial longevity. However, the duration of one-third of the total relationships is shorter than five years. There was considerable variation over time in the dynamics of the supplier base in terms of entries and exits of suppliers. Owing to this variation, research findings and conclusions in short-term studies are heavily dependent on the specific conditions at the time of the study. Finally, no less than one-fourth of the terminated supplier relationships were reactivated later. Research limitations/implications The study was designed in a time when purchasing was considered entirely from the perspective of the buying firm. Further studies, therefore, must increasingly emphasise the role of suppliers and the interaction in the buyer–supplier relationships, as well as the embeddedness in networks. Originality/value The findings of the study are unique in two ways. First, they are based on systematic observations over more than 50 years. Second, the study involves the purchases of 11 components representing different technical and economic features. The (few) previous studies are based on much shorter time periods and involves fewer suppliers/components. Moreover, the findings regarding re-activation of terminated relationships represent unique contributions.

Is agricultural revitalization possible through the climate-smart agriculture: a systematic review and citation-based analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mangirdas Morkunas ◽  
Tomas Balezentis
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Agricultural Sustainability ◽  
Environmental Footprint ◽  
Independent Research ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Smart Agriculture ◽  
Scientific Framework ◽  
Research Avenue

PurposeThis paper seeks to identify the prevailing streams in the research of climate-smart agriculture in order to help to conceptualize this new scientific notion and assist in drawing clear borders between climate-smart agriculture, agricultural sustainability and resilience.Design/methodology/approachIn order to conceptualize the climate-smart agriculture (CSA), the current research provides an in-depth bibliometric analysis indicating the prospective research directions in CSA. The findings of this paper are important in guiding the research on creation of climate-smart agriculture across different regions.FindingsThe notion of the CSA covers three main objectives: increased productivity, enhanced resilience and reduced environmental footprint of agriculture. It is found that due to its novelty, the climate-smart notion does not always have its defined research agenda and is considered to be both a constituent part of some other scientific framework (e.g. sustainability) and an independent research avenue.Originality/valueThis paper presents an in-depth analysis of the literature on the CSA. The linkages among the concepts, research centers and research strands are identified via the citation-based analysis.

Research on thermal property and temperature rating prediction of Mongolian robe ensembles

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 747-756 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaofang Guo ◽  
Hui Shi ◽  
Chenglong Wei ◽  
Xiao Dong Chen
Keyword(s):  
Prediction Model ◽  
Thermal Property ◽  
Thermal Insulation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Environmental Adaptation ◽  
Photographic Method ◽  
Mongolian Plateau ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Better Than

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to reveal the unique thermal property of Mongolian clothing from the current western clothing and explain their environmental adaptation to the climate of Mongolian plateau in China. Design/methodology/approach Thermal insulation and the temperature rating (TR) of eight Mongolian robe ensembles and two western clothing ensembles were investigated by manikin testing and wearing trials, respectively. The clothing area factor (fcl) of these Mongolian clothing was measured by photographic method and estimated equation from ISO 15831. Finally, the TR prediction model for Mongolian clothing was built and compared with current models for western clothing in ISO 7730 and for Tibetan clothing in previous article. Findings The results demonstrated that the total thermal insulation of Mongolian robe ensembles was much bigger than that of western clothing ensembles and ranged from 1.81clo to 3.11clo during the whole year. The fcl of the Mongolian clothing should be determined by photographic method because the differences between these two methods were much bigger from 0.6 to 13.9 percent; the TR prediction model for Mongolian robe ensembles is TR=25.57−7.13Icl, which revealed that the environmental adaptation of Mongolian clothing was much better than that of western clothing and similar to that of Tibetan clothing. Originality/value The research findings give a detailed information about the thermal property of China Mongolian clothing, and explain the environmental adaptation of Mongolian clothing to the cold and changing climate.

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