EthnographyMarisa Bossen ORG 7034

Navigating This Exploration

Ethnography defined & explained Proper Methodology Philosophy of Science

Baiarda-Hierche et al. (2011) Philosophy of Science Methodology Gephart’s Challenges Trustworthiness

Applying ethnography to I/O

Ethnography: Defined

Definition (Suzuki et al., 2005) Researcher lives among the “natives” Interpret meanings of human behavior 6 month to 2 year engagement, min. 1 year Uses small N

History Derived from Greek word for “group of

people and their way of life” (Angrosino et al., 2005)

Rooted in anthropology; spread to psychology

Ethnography: Steps

Topic selection

Theoretical and conceptual framework

Researcher stance

Participant observation and fieldwork

Synthesis and sharing of ethnographic data

Philosophy of Science Where does it fall on the

paradigm spectrum? “Postpositivism and constructivism–interpretivism frameworks” (Suzuki et al., 2005)

Postpositivism: Theory Falsification (Ponterotto, 2005)

Constructivism-interpretivism: Reality is relative; hermeneutical approach (Ponterotto, 2005)

Ethnography: Methodology Triangulation

Interviews Observation Surveys Archival data exploration Compare & contrast emerging themes

Ethics & Trustworthiness Maintain objectivity Blend in…

…but not too much! Value stakeholder input Transparency & respect Morrow’s (2005) criteria

Baiada-Hierche et al. (2011)

Negotiated order theory.

Moral responsibility.

Baiada-Hierche, L., Pasquero, J., & Chanlat, J. (2011). Managerial responsibility as negotiated order: A social construction perspective. Journal of Business Ethics, 101, 17-31.

Baiada-Hierche et al. (2011) Method requirements:

Time minimum Theory driven Triangulation Trustworthiness

Congruence with philosophy of science? “interactionist and

constructivist”

Gephart’s Challenges

1. “One off”?

2. Adequate lit. review?

3. State explicit goals/objectives/research questions?

4. Underlying concepts well-defined?

5. Methodology thoroughly specified?

6. Narrative thread throughout?

Ethnography in I/O Can you use this qualitative

method in I/O? Sure, why not?

(Because it’s expensive!) Okay, but…

(It’s data-rich & flexible!) Strengths

Researcher immersion in culture allows for more credibility

All stakeholders have equal opportunity

Weaknesses Time-intensive = expensive Organizational politics Difficulty gaining everyone’s trust

Denouement

Any questions?

Feel free to reach me at: bossenm@spu.edu