Qualitative research and theory development : mystery as method / Mats Alvesson and Dan Kärreman.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Alvesson, Mats, 1956-

Contributor:

Kärreman, Dan.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Social sciences--Research.

Social sciences.

Physical Description:

132 pages : illustrations ; 22 cm

Place of Publication:

London ; Thousand Oaks, Calif. : Sage Publications Ltd, 2011.

Summary:

How can empirical studies contribute to the development of theory in social science? Alvesson (U. of Lund, Sweden) and Karreman (Lund U., Sweden) present a framework for the use of empirical material in theory development. The authors see empirical findings as an integral part of theory rather than external to it. In particular, they point to the ways in which empirical material can be used for critical reflection and to enhance our ability to challenge, refine, or illustrate theory. Their approach is supported by arguments against 'dataism' and by the recognition of the constructed nature of empirical material. Three cases demonstrate these ideas, looking at gender structure in the advertising industry, patterns of conversation and identification in a newspaper meeting, and human resource management practices at a management-consulting firm. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [122]-130) and indexes.

ISBN:

9780857023230

0857023233

0857023241

9780857023247

OCLC:

656774024