Participatory methodologies for intersectional research in organisations
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore what it means to do intersectional research in an organisational ethnographic case study addressing gender, race, power and change. The main contribution of this paper is a methodological one. The focus is on the relevance and experience of adapting two qualitative research methods – diary study and photographic method.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper describes the design, implementation and impact of the diary and photographic methods. Both research methods combine personal reflection with group dialogue. The case study is framed by feminist analysis of the gendered organisation and examines subjectivities and gender power relations embedded in organisational culture.
Findings
Insights from the case study indicate the importance of participatory methodologies for deepening organisational research in the context of an organisational ethnography; the adaptability of the diary and photo methods; the effectiveness of open questions for reflecting on race and gender when participants know the research context; the significance of reflexive practice; the importance of a process approach for organisational analysis and change.
Research limitations/implications
The case study findings are generalisable. The adaptations of the two key methods are applicable for research in practice. The concrete methodologies are significant for intersectional research inside organisations. The choice of intersections to be studied will depend on the research context.
Practical implications
The case study shows methodological refinements for researching gender, power and difference inside organisations.
Originality/value
The paper provides methodological insights into how to conduct intersectional and deep organisational research.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Thank you to Dr Manuela Nocker and the two anonymous reviewers for their detailed comments which have enriched the paper and for the support of DevCo and colleague Dr Ben Jones at the University of East Anglia, and to Professor Yrjö Engeström University of Helsinki. And a special thank you to the diary and photo participants and the organisation for engaging in the research.
Citation
Plowman, P.J. (2016), "Participatory methodologies for intersectional research in organisations", Journal of Organizational Ethnography, Vol. 5 No. 1, pp. 28-43. https://doi.org/10.1108/JOE-02-2015-0010
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited