Reflexivity: A third essential ‘R’ to enhance interpretive field studies

Abstract

In this paper, we argue that reflexivity should be as essential a component of interpretive studies as the much vaunted rigour and relevance. We propose a classification of three forms of reflexivity for interpretive studies: self-reflexivity, domain reflexivity and collaborative reflexivity. We use a case study of a project from a French public organization supporting organic farming to illustrate reflexivity in action, highlighting its positive contribution. We suggest quality criteria to enhance reflexive studies and show how these can be incorporated into the well-known Klein and Myers’ principles for interpretive field studies in information systems.