Reading Module 1 - “Learning To Be A Qualitative Management Researcher”

Question 1

Issues with defining qualitative research skills

Answer 1

1. Plurality of meanings for the term “qualitative research” -> it can mean different things to different researchers
2. How do we define what is meant by “good” or “high-quality” qualitative research?
3. Subjective experience
4. Some skills can only be learned from conducting fieldwork

Question 2

Interpretivism

Answer 2

• taking human interpretation as a starting point for any analysis, with a concern for how we socially construct reality around us
• different actors will have different interpretations of quality

Question 3

Type of skills for qualitative research

Answer 3

High-quality qualitative management research requires the development of a range of skills that could then be enhanced through the processes and practices of actually doing qualitative research
Four types of skills:
1. Data collection
2. Data analysis
3. Writing
4. Critique and evaluation

Question 4

Types of knowledge

Answer 4

• knowledge of the range of qualitative techniques available
• knowledge of philosophical approaches
• understanding of the complexities associated with conduction of qualitative research

Question 5

Reflection

Answer 5

Has an underlying experimental logic where the researcher explores the impact of their research in a problem-solving manner with the intention of generating some form of learning on which future action can be based.

Question 6

Reflexivity

Answer 6

• being able to disclose aspects of themselves and their research journey without being too self-indulgent
• critical appraisal of underlying assumptions

Question 7

Phronesis

Answer 7

Being “street smart”, context wise, a lot of things are learned by actually doing them