Methodological encounters in a third space: ethnological field-working with Barbara Czarniawska
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.19245/25.05.pij.02.07.26.1Keywords:
ethnology, ethnography, shadowing, organizational research, narratives of organizing, CzarniawskaAbstract
This article reflects on the intellectual presence and influence of Barbara Czarniawska, particularly in relation to her contributions to the field of organizational research methodology. Drawing on our personal encounters with Barbara and engagement with her prolific writings, we explore two core aspects of field-working: (1) the researcher’s role as a sense-maker and ethnologist of organizational practices; and, (2) the concept of ‘shadowing’ and its value as a methodological disposition when researching fluid processes of organizing. These dimensions are not mutually exclusive but instead converge to create what we contend is a third space—a conceptual and research-practice domain in which fieldwork becomes more enriched and actor-oriented. We explore and explicate a central distinction that Barbara draws between "ethnology of organizing" and "organizational ethnography". The former engages with the meaning-making processes that emerge from fieldwork, capitalizing on the richness and pertinence of direct field experience. “Organizational ethnography”, on the other hand, is a term that Barbara is inclined to view disparagingly because it so often equates to mere “data collection” and recording procedures. Barbara’s methodological guidance also highlights the importance of language and narrative in ethnology, and her approach aligns more closely with anthropological traditions than those of management and organization studies. By advocating for an ethnology of organizing, she encourages researchers to view organizing as interconnected and relational sets of ongoing processes which can be narratively recovered by participating and learning with actors.
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