Looking back: ten years of visual qualitative research

Abstract

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the development of visual qualitative research in organizations and management over the past ten years, the experience of editing a special issue ofQualitative Research in Organizations and Managemententitled “Exploring the visual in organizations and management”, and the potential contributions this journal could make to the advancement of this significant area of research.Design/methodology/approach– This paper provides an overview and critical reflections on visual qualitative research in the study of organizations and management.Findings– The authors note that organization studies have been slow to develop visual research compared to other disciplines, especially the humanities and branches of the social sciences. However, development has been rapid over the past decade, and the authors comment on the diverse visual empirical material and the range of conceptual approaches.Research limitations/implications– The paper is a condensed reflection. It predicts a “mainstreaming” of visual research in future years and an increased integration of the visual into the study of management processes and organizations.Practical implications– This piece provides useful directions and references for researchers new to the field and different ways of thinking the visual and visual methodologies.Originality/value– The paper provides a rapid overview of the state of visual research in organizations and management studies.