Context-orienterad ansats i organisationspsykologisk forskning

Abstract

Westlander, G.: Context-oriented approaches in the field of organisational psychology: A methodological discussion. Nordisk Psykologi, 1987, 39 (2), 104–114. Research in the field of work and organisational psychology has traditionally used rather strict «variable-based» approaches. However, the need for a more contextually sensitive methodology is becoming increasingly clear. The article presents some important problems relating to studies projected from a context-oriented perspective. One main problem is the assessment of the context itself. Two contrasting methods must be faced, the formal and the empatic, and are discussed in the first part of the article. Criteria of qualitative and quantitative analyses also play an important role in the choice between formal and empatic methods. Particular attention is given to evaluating the case study approach, its unique problems of design and its contribution to the knowledge of human conditions in society.