Placing emotion and fantasy at the heart of the researcher-researched relationship

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 192-196
Author(s):  
Yiannis Gabriel
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Research ◽  
Emotional Responses ◽  
Research Methodologies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Short Piece

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to introduce psychosocial research methodology as a method that makes use of the emotions of researcher and researched and goes well-beyond empathetic understanding. Design/methodology/approach This short piece critically introduces the recently published book Further Researching Beneath the Surface (Volume 2): Psycho-social Research Methods in Practice, Eds Cummins, A.-M., and Williams, N., and analyses the psychosocial approach to qualitative research that emphasizes research as an emotional activity and makes use of the researcher’s and the researched’s emotional responses to each other in drawing interpretations about organizational phenomena. Findings By analysing transference and counter-transference, researchers can draw valuable insights into organizational phenomena that remain unseen by more conventional research methodologies. Originality/value Emotions, far from being the enemy of the researcher, can, if recognized properly, be valuable resources in social research.

Causality in qualitative market and social research

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 405-413
Author(s):  
Clive Roland Boddy
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Research ◽  
Pragmatic Approach ◽  
Social Phenomena ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
The Moment ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Academic qualitative researchers have been criticized for rejecting the idea that their research can establish causality while market and social researchers, with their realist and pragmatic approach to research, take for granted that it can. This paper aims to explore the ability of qualitative research to determine cause and effect in terms of market and social phenomena. Design/methodology/approach The literature on causality in qualitative research is reviewed and discussed. The discussion is further informed by the author’s own experience of undertaking commercial and academic market and social qualitative research over the past 33 years. Findings In qualitative market and social research, the determination of causality is often needed but rarely discussed. This paper explores this occurrence and brings to the fore, via discussion and the use of example, the ways in which causality can be determined by qualitative research. Practical implications A determination of what events bring about predictable changes in social and market environments can be established via qualitative research particularly at a probabilistic level of causality. This implies that policymakers should give a greater emphasis to qualitative findings than then sometimes do at the moment. Originality/value Causality in market and social research is rarely discussed by practitioners but is nevertheless a premise of much of the qualitative research that is undertaken. This paper is therefore distinctive in that it examines whether this premise is justifiable.

Guest editorial: a new dawn for qualitative service research

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lars Witell ◽  
Maria Holmlund ◽  
Anders Gustafsson
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Research Methods ◽  
Service Research ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Key Characteristics ◽  
Qualitative Research Methodology

Purpose The purpose of this study is to highlight the role of qualitative research in service research. This study discusses what qualitative research is, what role it has in service research and what interest, rigor, relevance and richness mean for qualitative service research. Design/methodology/approach This study examines the most common qualitative research methods and discusses interest, rigor, relevance and richness as key characteristics of qualitative research. The manuscripts in the special issue are introduced and categorized based on their contributions to service research. Findings The findings suggest that the amount of research using qualitative research methods has remained stable over the last 30 years. An increased focus on transparency and traceability is important for improving the perceived rigor of qualitative service research. Originality/value This special issue is the first issue that is explicitly devoted to the qualitative research methodology in service research. In particular, the issue seeks to contribute to a better use and application of qualitative research methodology.

Guidance on applying the viable system model

Kybernetes ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 186-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Hildbrand ◽  
Shamim Bodhanya
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Research Methods ◽  
System Model ◽  
Viable System Model ◽  
Essential Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Language Needs ◽  
Viable System

Purpose – Although many cases where viable system model (VSM) was successfully applied exist, hardly any literature advises the novice VSM user regarding the accomplishment of a VSM diagnosis. The purpose of this paper is to show practitioners and researchers how to conduct a VSM diagnosis. The paper further seeks to encourage others to apply VSM and to share their experience with using VSM. Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides detailed guidelines on how to conduct a VSM diagnosis in conjunction with qualitative research methods. It outlines the data collection, analysis and presentation of results. Findings – VSM is an outstanding diagnostic tool. Qualitative research methods provide access to the essential information for the VSM diagnosis and should be used in iteration with VSM. They can enhance the VSM diagnosis by focusing on the soft aspects in the investigated system. The VSM language needs to be adapted to the specific context in which VSM is used and VSM can be applied in a participatory manner. Further research needs to explore possibilities to strengthen the handling of detected shortcomings that were revealed during the VSM diagnosis. Research limitations/implications – This paper is based on one experience with the VSM application and other VSM users might provide different insights. Originality/value – There is little practical advice in existing literature regarding the accomplishment of a VSM diagnosis. This paper addresses that gap. In addition, VSM has not been applied to a sugarcane production and supply system before.

scholarly journals Framework analysis: a whole paradigm approach

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 248-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew D. Kiernan ◽  
Mick Hill
Keyword(s):  
Research Methods ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Research ◽  
Policy Research ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Guide ◽  
Abstract Description ◽  
Unique Approach ◽  
Theoretical Reflection

Purpose Students of social research methods in search of a “Haynes manual” type set of instructions are often, if not invariably, thwarted in their ambitions and are either confronted with an abstract description which remains firmly at the level of methodology or, alternatively, an uncritical mechanical template for application. The purpose of this paper is not to rectify these deficits, but rather to make the interplay between epistemological and methodological concerns and those relating to method visible to inspection. Design/methodology/approach To illustrate this interplay, the authors present one example of a piece of applied policy research which employed a process of framework analysis. Findings It is argued that rhetorical transparency in the creation of any qualitative account enhances its authenticity, and in part, this article demonstrates that it remains possible to maintain reflexive awareness of epistemological and methodological concerns whilst at the same time pursuing clear and practical methodical guidelines. Originality/value This article provides unique approach to providing researchers with a practical guide to framework analysis with theoretical reflection on the wider methodological concerns.

Multi-species ethnography: methodological training in the field in South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 343-363
Author(s):  
Harry Wels
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Ethnographic Research ◽  
Research Methodologies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ethnographic Fieldwork ◽  
Lessons Learnt ◽  
And Training

PurposeTo further develop research methodologies for multi-species ethnographic fieldwork, based on researcher's experiences with multi-species fieldwork in private wildlife conservancies in South Africa and inspired by San tracking techniques.Design/methodology/approachReflections on methodological lessons learnt during multi-species ethnographic fieldwork in South Africa. The approach is rather “Maanenesque” in telling various types of tales of the field. These tales also implicitly show how all-encompassing ethnographic fieldwork and its accompanying reflexivity are; there is never time for leisure in ethnographic fieldwork.FindingsThat developing fieldwork methodologies in multi-species ethnographic research confronts researchers with the explicit need for and training in multi-sensory methods and interpretations, inspired by “the art of tracking” of the San.Originality/valueComes up with a concrete suggestion for a sequence of research methods for multi-species ethnography based on the trials and tribulations of a multi-species ethnographer's experiences in South Africa and inspired by San tracking techniques.

New qualitative research methodologies in management

2014 ◽  
Vol 52 (4) ◽  
pp. 662-674 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Guercini
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Management Research ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Research Methodologies ◽  
Traditional Methods ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
New Methods ◽  
Qualitative Methodologies

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to deliver an introduction to the Special Issue on new qualitative research methodologies in management. Design/methodology/approach – The reasons of interest for the object of this Special Issue are explained through the discussion of a selected literature. Technological and sociological changes are considered as a source of new problem and new opportunities for management and management research. The traditional methods are put under strain by these changes and epistemological implications are considered. Findings – New qualitative methodologies analyzed in the Special Issue are characterized by drivers including hybridization with others methods, both qualitative and quantitative. New methods can contribute to reduce distance between researcher's and practitioner's context. Originality/value – A frame to analyze the new qualitative management research through the papers published in the Special Issue.

scholarly journals Expanding the debate

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 179-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann M. Carrington
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Research Program ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Ways Of Knowing ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Spiritual Perspectives

Purpose – The current exploration and inclusion of spirituality across disciplines has, up to this point, focused largely on defining spirituality and creating practice and assessment tools. Little has been done in building the foundational structures at the level of paradigm, theory, methods, measures and research methodology. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents a section of findings resulting from a comprehensive qualitative research program using the process of meta-triangulation, which explored spiritual perspectives from paradigm to practice. Findings – The results of this research begin to address gaps at these levels through the articulation of spiritual ways of knowing and the methods and measures that stem from them. Once articulated, it was possible to explore the parallels and differences between spiritual and physical ways of knowing, their methods and measures. Originality/value – It is acknowledged that such research may be resisted by some factions as they attempt to maintain positions of power and privilege. Thus, this paper presents the research within this contested and turbulent landscape.

Contextualising the antecedents of organisational innovativeness

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 178-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Ahrens ◽  
Aishah A.K. Al-Sereidi ◽  
Halimah F. Al-Shaebi ◽  
Asra H. Rahmdel
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Organisational Capabilities ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the specific meanings underlying the general antecedents of organisational innovativeness (OI) in one specific public sector context, to fill empirically the categories employed in prior quantitative research and to understand better some of the opportunities for strengthening facilitators of OI and overcoming barriers to OI that present themselves in particular contexts. Design/methodology/approach This research is based on a field study. It uses 29 semi-structured interviews with the members of UAE government and semi-government organisations. The research methodology is qualitative: it seeks to elucidate the meanings that structure the respondents’ understandings of innovation at work. Findings Across the UAE public sector there are great differences in organisational members’ interest in, and readiness to engage with, OI. Members of the public sector tended to conceptualise OI as a set of individual efforts and relationships in which the trust with superiors played a key role, as did the availability of individual rewards. For some respondents communication served as an umbrella term to denote organisational characteristics that would enable individuals to join efforts to make the public sector more innovative. Overall, the great variations in respondents’ ability to articulate and conceptualise the antecedents of OI suggests that organisational capabilities to support OI need strengthening. Research limitations/implications The paper’s insights are based on the study of the public sector of only one country and may be difficult to generalise to other countries. Practical implications The paper suggests ways in which Emirati public sector organisations can strengthen the facilitators of OI and overcome the obstacles presented by the barriers to OI in order to help public sector leaders and employees make innovation a routine element of their day-to-day work. Originality/value The paper presents a first attempt at using qualitative research to deepen our understanding of the antecedents of organisational innovativeness in the public sector.

Stepping off the drunkard’s path to walk the “wild side”

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 104-120
Author(s):  
Nicole Brunker
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Doctoral Studies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Creativity And Innovation ◽  
Looking Back ◽  
The Way

Purpose Working creatively as a researcher should be a core foundation in doctoral studies, though it may be an isolating, even risky, endeavour. The purpose of this paper is to share the author’s journey through the “darkness” of innovation in research methodology. Design/methodology/approach At the heart of this research journey was Portraiture (Lawrence-Lightfoot, 1983), which emerged early in the post-modern evolution of qualitative research. While exploring Portraiture, the author found researchers used this methodology in varying ways: application, appropriation and interpretation. In stumbling through Portraiture, the author discovered patchwork as their bricoleur’s toolbag. Patchwork provided a torch that gave light to the darkness of the research process enabling interpretation of Portraiture for alignment of method and research problematic[1]. Findings Looking back at the research journey, the author recognises the steps into post-qualitative research and the need for methodological innovators to share their journeys for inspiration, to develop understanding and open the way to greater creativity and innovation during the research process. Originality/value This paper provides an original view to Portraiture along with the addition of patchwork as a way of engaging with methodology as well as data.

Voluntary simplicity: The Great American Apparel Diet

2013 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 294-305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorothy E. Wu ◽  
Jane Boyd Thomas ◽  
Marguerite Moore ◽  
Kate Carroll
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Virtual Communities ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
Qualitative Research Methods ◽  
Market Environment ◽  
Voluntary Simplicity ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine consumers’ motivations to participate in voluntary simplicity in the current market environment.Design/methodology/approachUsing established qualitative research methods, 834 individual autobiographies and blog entries from The Great American Apparel Diet (GAAD) are examined.FindingsSix general categories of internal and external motivations to engage in voluntary simplicity are identified. Findings expand marketers’ understanding of voluntary simplicity and the role of virtual communities inspiring behavior in the contemporary marketplace.Originality/valueThis research is unique because it explores personal information shared in the blog entries of participants in the GAAD.

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