Templates in Qualitative Research Methods: Origins, Limitations, and New Directions

Abstract

The inability to define and understand rigor in qualitative research has led to a number of issues that require further thought and movement towards resolution. These include, among many others, the mechanistic application of templates for conducting qualitative research, the conformity in presentation of data, the increasing role of qualitative researchers as glorified reporters of participant perceptions and experiences rather than as interpreters and critical evaluators of underlying tensions, dynamics, and processes, or the preference for certain qualitative methodologies and approaches over others without fully evaluating their respective merits and purposes. The time is ripe that we step back, re-evaluate and rethink current trends regarding how the field applies qualitative research methods. In this symposium we bring together leading scholars from diverse sub disciplines of the Academy who are experienced qualitative researchers and have either previously held or currently hold senior editorial positions. The goal of the symposium is to stimulate conversation among management researchers about these contemporary trends and tensions in qualitative research and to elicit thoughts about ways forward, away from template convergence and towards a diversity of approaches. An Interpretive Alternative to the Gioia Template: Reconnecting with the Hermeneutic Tradition Presenter: Jacqueline Mees-Buss; U. Of Sydney Presenter: Catherine Lynelle Welch; U. Of Sydney Presenter: Rebecca Piekkari; Aalto U. School of Business Tracing Ideas from Langley (1999): Exemplars, Adaptations, Considerations, and the Overlooked Presenter: Michael Lerman; Iowa State U. Presenter: Nick A. Mmbaga; Butler U. Presenter: Anne D. Smith; U. of Tennessee, Knoxville Researcher Motivations to Use Templates in Qualitative Research Presenter: Tine Koehler; U. of Melbourne Presenter: Anne D. Smith; U. of Tennessee, Knoxville Presenter: Vikram Bhakoo; U. of Melbourne Innovating Methods: An Exploration of Research Practice Presenter: Jane Kirsten Le; WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management Presenter: Torsten Schmid; U. of St. Gallen