Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to provide PhD students with advanced skills to independently use relevant qualitative data collection tools separately and in combination. Themes that will be discussed are interviewing (individual and focus group), different forms of participant observations, as well as the use of text, video, and image material as data – self-developed or acquired from the internet. Special attention will be directed towards combining different data collection tools for publications aimed at high-level outlets.
By use of literature, presentations and exercises students will gain insights into the selection and application of different types of methods. They will be able to reflect upon the needed data collection tools for their specific projects. We will also discuss advantages and disadvantages of the different methods and their combinations in relation to the publication potential in different types of projects. Finally, we will discuss successful examples of paper writing using these approaches and present our own experiences in how to best prepare articles, using the specific methods, for publication.
Time and place
24-26 April 2024 (room: 2610-520), Aarhus BSS, Aarhus University, Fuglesangs Allé 4, 8210 Aarhus V.
Teachers
Topics
Interview and participant observation
Interviews and observations are some of the primary data collection tools in qualitative research. We will discuss how to do interview and observations in different forms in relation to organisation and management research. For example, technique of ensuring the right type of information from a one-on-one interview situation. We will also go through the practices of doing participant observations in organizational social settings.
Documents and interactions online
The rise of digital media and online technologies have extensively broadened the possibilities for researchers to study social artifacts and phenomena online. This part of the course provides students with insights into the use of documents and online interactions as data in management research.
Visual recording
Micro observations of recorded naturally-occurring interactions allows us to study how talk, bodily movements, and material objects are organised in the social practice of organising. It enables us to study organisations and management as social, situated practices, where meaning creation is understood as collaborative and interactive accomplishments.
Focus groups
Focus groups consist of a group of individuals selected by researchers in order to gain knowledge of their experiences and insight in a specific theme based on their individual experiences. Focus groups are increasingly used to collect data in all fields of management research. This part of the course will introduce specific moderator techniques to enhance the collection of data.
Course plan
Day 1 – 24 April 2024
9-12 Introduction, Interview and Participant observation (JL)
12-13 Lunch
13-15 Documents and interactions online (IP)
Day 2 – 25 April 2024
9-12 Field exercise (JL)
12-13 Lunch
13-15 Visual recordings (BA)
Day 3 – 26 April 2024
9-12 Focus group interview (HN)
12-13 Lunch
13-14 Publishing qualitative research and Conclusions (JL)
Literature
Introduction, interview and observation:
Pratt, M. 2009. For the lack of a boilerplate: Tips on writing up (and reviewing) qualitative research. Academy of Management Journal, 52 (5): 856–862.
Bernard, H. R. (2006). Research methods in Anthropology. Chapter 9. Interviewing: Unstructured and semistructured.
Dewalt, KM, Dewalt, BR (2010) Participant Observation: A Guide for Fieldworkers. Walnut Creek, CA: AltaMira Press. Chapter 5.
Documents and interactions online:
Prior, L. (2008). Repositioning documents in social research, Sociology. 42(5): 821-836.
McKenna, B., Myers, M. D., & Newman, M. (2017). Social media in qualitative research: Challenges and recommendations. Information and Organization, 27: 87-99.
Video-based data collection:
LeBaron, C., Jarzabkowski, P., Pratt, M.G., Fetzer, G. (2018): An introduction to video methods in organizational research. Organizational Research Methods 2(2), 239-269.
Mondada, L. (2013): The conversation analytic approach to data collection. In J. Sidnell & T. Stivers: The handbook of conversation analysis. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell, 32-56.
Focus group interview data collection:
Bloor, F. and Thomas, R. (2001) Focus groups in social research. SAGE.
Application
Deadline for application: 18 March 2024. Please download and fill in the application form. The application should be sent by email to: Department of Management, Aarhus BSS, Aarhus University, att. Lisbeth Widahl. Please note that your application is binding.
Fee
External participants (from outside Aarhus University) will be charged a fee that covers lunches and refreshments (for more information, please contact Lisbeth Widahl). Participants will have to make their own arrangements regarding travel and accommodation.
Credits
2.5 ECTS