Philosophical Perspectives
Download
Report
Transcript Philosophical Perspectives
MYERS
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVES
Chapter 4
Sage Publications Limited
© 2008 Michael D. Myers
All Rights Reserved
Philosophical Assumptions
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
Written Record
Data Analysis
Approach
Data Collection
Technique
Research Method
Philosophical
Assumptions
Philosphical Perspectives
2
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
Introduction
All research is based on some underlying assumptions about
what constitutes ‘valid’ research
Epistemology refers to assumptions about knowledge and
how it can be obtained
All qualitative researchers should understand the grounds of
their knowledge, especially the validity and scope of the
knowledge that they obtain
Philosphical Perspectives
3
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
Three categories
All research can be classified into three categories: positivist,
interpretive, and critical
Qualitative research can adopt any one of these perspectives
For example, case study research can be positivist,
interpretive, or critical
Philosphical Perspectives
4
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
Qualitative research
influences/guides
positivist
interpretive
critical
Underlying philosophical assumptions
Philosphical Perspectives
5
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
Assumptions of positivist research
Social reality is objective, testable and independent of
theoretical explanation
The researcher should be objective and unbiased
The researcher should be a detached value-free spectator,
only an observer of the objects of study
Theories and hypotheses can be tested independent of an
understanding of meanings and intentions
Lawlike relations can be discovered in organizations, and the
purpose of research is to increase our predictive
understanding of phenomena
Scientific research should have formal propositions,
quantifiable measures of variables, and hypothesis testing cases are of interest only as representative of populations
Philosphical Perspectives
6
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
Assumptions of interpretive research
Social reality is socially constructed
Theories are reconstructions of the facts, and the
criterion of a good theory is an understanding of
meaning and intentions rather than deductive
explanation
Meanings in natural science are separate from facts,
whereas in social science meanings are what constitute
facts, for data consist of documents, intentional
behaviour (action), social rules, culture, etc., and these
are inseparable from their meanings for agents
The hermeneutic circle – the ‘logic’ of interpretation is
irreducibly circular: parts cannot be understood
without the whole, data and concepts cannot be
understood without theory and context, etc.
Philosphical Perspectives
7
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
Assumptions of critical research
Similar to interpretive research except that in addition:
A focus on critique – critique of the prevailing social
conditions and system of constraints
Consider the complex relationships between human
interests, knowledge, power and forms of social control.
Challenge prevailing communities of assumptions
Challenge established social practices
Have an ethically-based stance
Some types of critical theory suggest individual
emancipation and/or improvements in society
Philosphical Perspectives
8
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
Examples
Positivist research – Wong and Ellis (2002). A focus on
testable propositions
Interpretive research – Orlikowski (1991). A focus on sensemaking and meaning
Critical research – Myers and Young (1997). A focus on
hidden agendas, power, and other ‘taken for granted’
aspects of social reality
Philosphical Perspectives
9