Why I think shadowing is the best field technique in management and organization studies

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Czarniawska
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Organization Studies ◽  
Extensive Experience ◽  
Organizational Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Settings ◽  
Field Technique

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the value of shadowing as a field technique. Design/methodology/approach – This piece takes the form of a viewpoint. Findings – Barbara Czarniawska describes the methodological journey that led her to the adoption of shadowing approaches in her organizational research. Originality/value – This invited commentary is informed by extensive experience of using shadowing to gather data in organizational settings.

Fictionalizing dialogue: interpretative phenomenological analysis in organizational research

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 218-236
Author(s):  
Ankit Agarwal ◽  
Peter John Sandiford
Keyword(s):  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Narrative Form ◽  
Management Research ◽  
Organizational Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Settings ◽  
Additional Level ◽  
Level Of Analysis

PurposeThis paper proposes a dialogical approach for analyzing and presenting Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) data in organizational research.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explores the story behind a story, showing how qualitative research can be fictionalized and reflexively framed in contemporary organizational settings, illustrated by IPA research conducted by the authors, into selection interviewing in Australia. Drawing from researchers' narrative notes that reflexively interpret interview data in narrative form, the data were re-interpreted in fictionalized dialogical form, enabling findings to be analyzed and presented more interactively.FindingsThe application of new interpretative techniques, like fictionalized dialogue, contributes to a richer interpretation of phenomena in qualitative organizational and management research, not limited to IPA studies.Originality/valueFictionalized dialogue brings to the surface an additional level of analysis that contributes to thematic analysis in a novel manner, also serving as a communicative tool.

Organizational access in qualitative research

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 172-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Nathan Alexander ◽  
Anne D. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Primary Analysis ◽  
Organization Studies ◽  
Management Journal ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Systematic Assessment ◽  
Gain Access ◽  
Administrative Science

Purpose While organizational access is central to much qualitative research, little is known about how researchers secure it. The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic assessment of this critical methodological step. Design/methodology/approach A systematic review was conducted to establish how researchers gained access to organizations for qualitative research. Access type was identified and explanatory indicators were inductively developed to illuminate how access was obtained in a sample of 216 qualitative articles published in Administrative Science Quarterly and Academy of Management Journal between 1986 and 2013. A supplemental review of 306 articles published in Organization Studies over the same period augmented the primary analysis with a broader view of published accounts of access. Findings Learning prior to entering organizations, researchers’ backgrounds, organizational insiders, and outside contacts facilitated access. The role of these factors, which served as indicators of legitimacy, varied with the type of access. In addition, the authors found that many articles provide little information about how the researchers gained access, regardless of a publication’s domicile. Originality/value This study furthers the understanding of how researchers gain access to organizations to conduct qualitative research and discusses the implications of the limited access accounts in published studies. In addition, this research provides practical guidance for authors, editors, and reviewers.

scholarly journals Unlearning towards an uncertain future: on the back end of future-driven unlearning

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 454-469 ◽  
Author(s):  
Markus F. Peschl
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Belief Systems ◽  
Learning Systems ◽  
Specific Result ◽  
Organization Studies ◽  
Innovation Studies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Conceptual Paper ◽  
Uncertain Future ◽  
Forms Of Knowledge

Purpose While many approaches in the field of unlearning aim at describing, understanding or explaining the “what” and/or “how” of unlearning, this paper aims to focus on the “where-to” and the goal of unlearning. In many cases, unlearning starts off with a specific result or goal in mind. This paper suggests that such an approach has to be challenged in the context of a highly complex and uncertain world and to introduce a mode of unlearning following a strategy of future-oriented open-endedness. Design/methodology/approach This conceptual paper draws on (both theoretical/philosophical and empirical) interdisciplinary evidence from a wide variety of fields, such as organization studies, organizational (un)learning, systems theory, cognitive science and innovation studies. Findings It turns out that open-endedness in unlearning processes plays a central role, especially if we are confronted with high levels of uncertainty and complexity. In such an environment, following a strategy of co-becoming with an unfolding environment and with an emergent goal seems to be more promising than aiming at a preconceived (un-)learning goal. Originality/value The unlearning literature provides various approaches to what unlearning is and how it can be executed. However, understanding the actual goals and outcomes of unlearning and how these goals are identified and determined is a rather under-researched field. In many cases, they are preconceived in advance finding their realization in new forms of knowledge, assumptions, belief systems, values or routines. This paper challenges this strategy and addresses the gap of how it is possible to unlearn toward an uncertain future. This has an impact on the process of unlearning itself; it has to be reframed and understood as an open-ended strategy for identifying emerging future potentials, purposes and goals in a process of co-becoming with an unfolding future.

Asset recovery: a Swiss leap forward?

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 150-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
George Pavlidis
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Extensive Experience ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Open Source Data ◽  
Asset Recovery ◽  
Source Data ◽  
National Norms ◽  
Human Rights Standards

Purpose International asset recovery proceedings may be hindered by several obstacles, especially in the case of “failed states” or of states that experience a regime change. In this context, Switzerland, a country with extensive experience in asset recovery, attempted two legislative leaps forward, the first in 2011 and the second in 2016. The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the legislative innovations in Switzerland, with special reference to their strengths, weakness and compatibility with human rights standards. Design/methodology/approach This paper draws on legal scholarship, jurisprudence, reports and other open source data, to analyze two important legislative innovations in Switzerland [Law on the Restitution of Assets of Criminal Origin of 2010 (LRAI) and law on assets of illicit origin (LVP). Findings The two Swiss legislative initiatives that will be examined (LRAI and LVP) are innovative in nature, but serious weaknesses and obstacles to asset recovery remain unaddressed. Despite their flaws, these two legislative innovations can inspire positive change in international and national norms. They can be viewed as part of a work-in-progress for the reinforcement of asset recovery proceedings and international cooperation in this domain. Originality/value Since the new law on asset recovery (LVP) came into force (July 1, 2016), this has been the first study examining the strengths and weaknesses of the adopted text, its compatibility with human rights standards and its potential influence on international standards of asset recovery.

Organization studies as symmetrical ethnology

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Czarniawska
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Organization Studies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Practice ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to challenge some of the taken for granted assumptions of contemporary ethnographic practice by exploring reasons for fieldwork and the debt that is owed to those in the field. Design/methodology/approach Exploring traditional and contemporary reasons for fieldwork and comparing ostensive and performative styles of reporting organization studies. Findings The argument is that traditional ethnographic approaches do not fit contemporary organizing practices. In their place, a “symmetrical ethnology” is proposed. Research limitations/implications More reflective use of labels and terms. Practical implications Better communication with practitioners. Social implications Better dialogue with wider circles. Originality/value An important and timely critique of ethnography together with a reformulation and a number of suggestions for future practice.

It’s about time: theorizing amodern time in historical organization studies

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabrielle Durepos ◽  
Terrance Weatherbee ◽  
Albert J. Mills
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Organization Studies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Actor Networks ◽  
History Approach ◽  
Chronological Time

Purpose This paper features a critique of the treatment of time in modern and postmodern historical organization studies. The authors reply to the critique by drawing on Lefebvre’s notion of rhythm to theorize time in an amodern condition. The purpose of this study is to call on historical organization studies scholars to theoretically engage with time. Design/methodology/approach After a pointed literature review of the treatment of time in modern and postmodern historical organization studies, an ANTi-History approach to time is developed through an exploration of how rhythm can inform key ANTi-History facets. Findings New insights on key ANTi-History facets are developed in relation to time. These include seeing the past as history through rhythmic actor-networks, a description of relationalism informed by situated rhythms, a suggestion that the performative aspect of history is rhythmic and an illustration of what one might see if they watched an amodern historian at work. Originality/value Lefebvre’s concept of rhythm has been largely neglected in historiography and historical organization studies. Rhythm offers a way to understand time in relation to situated actor practices as opposed to the universal clock or chronological time.

Interfaith dialogue in a secular field

2017 ◽  
Vol 40 (8) ◽  
pp. 824-844 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kent D. Miller
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Community ◽  
Theological Reflection ◽  
Interfaith Dialogue ◽  
Organization Studies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Attitudes And Behaviors ◽  
Religious Perspectives ◽  
General Guidance ◽  
Organization Research

Purpose Bringing spiritual and religious perspectives to management and organization research requires clarifying the methodological implications and grappling with the diversity that characterizes the research community. This article aims to address both of these issues. The focal question addressed here is, how might spiritual and religious researchers effectively engage in interfaith dialogue in the ostensibly secular field of management and organization studies? Design/methodology/approach This article takes exception to privileging secularism over other faiths and argues for admitting spiritual and religious perspectives into the field of management and organization studies. It addresses how theological reflection can be carried out within a spiritually and religiously pluralist research community in management and organization studies. Findings Section 2 characterizes secularity and raises the possibility of moving beyond secularism to interfaith dialogue in the field of management and organization studies. Section 3 reviews influential perspectives on dialogue to identify attitudes and behaviors conducive to social learning. Section 4 introduces theological reflection as a method for conducting management and organization research and provides guidance and methods for pursuing interfaith dialogue. Research limitations/implications This article proposes interfaith dialogue as a way to explore important assumptions, ultimate concerns and innovative practices that currently go largely unraised in management and organization research. Originality/value This article adds to the methods available in the field by characterizing effective dialogue and introducing and explaining theological reflection. It contributes general guidance and proposes specific methods for moving to interfaith dialogue among researchers working from diverse faiths.

Whistleblowing: a three part view

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 208-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. D. Francis ◽  
A. F. Armstrong ◽  
I Foxley
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Final Section ◽  
Democratic Process ◽  
Economic Prosperity ◽  
Extensive Experience ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Personal Benefit ◽  
Compare And Contrast

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide contrasting views on whistleblowing, and offers a three-fold view of whistleblowing. First, it gives some formal arguments. Second, it provides an account of whistleblowing from a whistle-blowers perspective. Third, it provides advice to potential whistle-blowers. Its main purpose is to outline the kinds of arguments in favour of whistleblowing, express some concerns and to provide advice in the form of suggestions. Design/methodology/approach – The initial two sections are provided to compare and contrast the academic and the practical consequences of deciding to blow the whistle. As such, it provides accounts that are meant to compare and contrast the two very different approaches. The final section gives suggestions for consideration for those contemplating blowing the whistle. Findings – The findings of this study are such that it is an argument rather then empirical data; notwithstanding, the perspectives that it brings to bear all point to the value of honesty, and its role as a justification for whistleblowing. Advice and suggestions stem from two rather different realms of discourse. The advice to prospective whistle-blowers is derived from extensive experience on the part of many. It is composed of both what questions to ask oneself, and what one must do to be self-protective. Originality/value – It is argued that corruption has little to commend it apart from the personal benefit of the corrupt acquisition of wealth, whereas openness and honesty appear to be a self-sustaining enterprise. Whistleblowing both enhances the quality of life in that it sustains the democratic process, and may well be related to economic prosperity. In all of this, the merit of transparency is basic.

scholarly journals On men, organizations and intersectionality

2014 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 414-428 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeff Hearn
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Social Categories ◽  
Organization Studies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Historical Changes ◽  
Diversity And Inclusion ◽  
Policy Interventions ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to reflect, personally, regarding work, politically and theoretically, on 40 years of involvement in organization studies, profeminism and intersectionality. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses autoethnography. Findings – The paper shows the need for a broad notion of the field and fieldwork, the development of intersectional thinking, the complexity of men's relations to feminism and intersectionality and the need to both name and deconstruct men in the research field. Research limitations/implications – The paper suggests a more explicit naming and deconstruction of men and other intersectional social categories in doing research. Practical implications – The paper suggests a more explicit naming and deconstruction of men and other intersectional social categories in equality practice. Social implications – The paper suggests a more explicit naming and deconstruction of men and other intersectional social categories in social, political and policy interventions. Originality/value – The paper points to recent historical changes in the connections between feminism, gender, profeminism, organizations and intersectionality in relation to equality, diversity and inclusion.

scholarly journals Interrogating silent privileges across the work–life boundaries and careers of high-intensity knowledge professionals

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 503-522
Author(s):  
Charlotta Niemistö ◽  
Jeff Hearn ◽  
Mira Karjalainen ◽  
Annamari Tuori
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Research Method ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Inequalities ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Organization Studies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Different Levels

PurposePrivilege is often silent, invisible and not made explicit, and silence is a key question for theorizing on organizations. This paper examines interrelations between privilege and silence for relatively privileged professionals in high-intensity knowledge businesses (KIBs).Design/methodology/approachThis paper draws on 112 interviews in two rounds of interviews using the collaborative interactive action research method. The analysis focuses on processes of recruitment, careers and negotiation of boundaries between work and nonwork in these KIBs. The authors study how relative privilege within social inequalities connects with silences in multiple ways, and how the invisibility of privilege operates at different levels: individual identities and interpersonal actions of privilege (micro), as organizational level phenomena (meso) or as societally constructed (macro).FindingsAt each level, privilege is reproduced in part through silence. The authors also examine how processes connecting silence, privilege and social inequalities operate differently in relation to both disadvantage and the disadvantaged, and privilege and the privileged.Originality/valueThis study is relevant for organization studies, especially in the kinds of “multi-privileged” contexts where inequalities, disadvantages and subordination may remain hidden and silenced, and, thus, are continuously reproduced.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document