Conducting an Organizational Ethnography: Researching Links Between Concepts of Workplace Bullying and Organizational Practices

Abstract

This case study is an example of organizational qualitative research in action. In 2013, I began the methodological journey for my PhD to study the link between how violence (in particular bullying) is constructed on an everyday basis by organizational members and organizational practices developed and implemented to counter and respond to forms of violence, with a focus on policies and education and training programs. In this case study, I discuss my research process beginning with the choices of methodologies and methods and how they guided me in answering my central research question. I bring readers into the research process, including finding an organization and gaining access, ethical considerations and challenges encountered, and how I dealt with them. As a pedagogical tool, this case will help other researchers and students learn how to carry out a research project related to organizations, choose and use methods, recognize challenges, and develop solutions as they design and carry out their projects within organizations.

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