What Reflexivity Does Mean - Essay Example

SALEH ALOTHMAN Week 9: Learning Set Participation Word Count: 1291 What reflexivity means to me. Reflexivity is a ‘style of research that makes clearthe researcher’s own beliefs and objectives’ (Gilbert, 2008: p. 512). It is necessary that the researcher acknowledges the effect of preconceptions and personal opinions and how these have an effect to a greater or lesser extent how he perceives the topic or area under study. Using the process of reflexivity ensures that the researcher is aware of his personal effect on both the process and outcomes of research. This is based upon the principle that ‘knowledge cannot be separated from the knower’ and that, ‘In the social sciences, there is only interpretation. Nothing speaks for itself’ (Thorpe and Holt, 2008: p. 184). It can be anticipated that any researcher will have preconceived ideas about the area of study. This preconception will be founded upon the knowledge gained before actually commencing the research when interacting with others concerned. In my case, I am part of the company. The preconceptions held are going, in some way, going to have an influence both upon the way the research is conducted and could perhaps influence the results obtained. This occurs because it is the researcher who interprets the data, whether this be from his observations, the text of interviews, or from documents obtained from participants. When the researcher reflects upon the preconceptions he might have towards the subject of study and the participants involved, he must also reflect upon how his own characteristics will have an effect upon the data he collected. Hertz (1997: p. 8) stated that reflexivity allows the researcher to realise where he is in relation to the research undertaken , and so is able to minimise the effect he, and his personal ideas and knowledge has upon the research undertaken. When undertaking qualitative research it can be difficult for the researcher to operate in a detached way as they are required to interact personally with the respondents. Reflexive research is able to take this involvement of the researcher into account (Thorpe and Holt, 2008: p. 184). The writers are able to discuss this topic within reflexivity which is where methodological, discussing the proximity of the researchers to the matter under discussion. It is shown that the researcher need to be aware of this closeness and so be aware of the need to be professional and keep their distance so that the process of data collection and its outcomes is influenced in the most minimal way possible and not compromised. Johnson and Duberly (2000: p. 191) discuss epistemological styles from postmodernism to those of positivism or neopositivism, and on to critical theory versus critical realism If relating these ideas to those discussed later by Thorpe and Holt (2008) on the topic of methodological reflexivity the connection is with positivism and with neopositivism. If one combines the ideas put forward by both sets of authors, it can be understood that fresh knowledge will be produced only by using positivism and neopositivism and that without such methods it would be impossible to produce more knowledge. A researcher can expect to be able to create new knowledge. The challenge comes when the ability of the researcher to acquire new information may not be at the level he expects. He must not be over influenced by his preconceptions and so open himself to expect open to new information as revealed by the research he undertakes. Practical constraints and personal values that have influenced my choice of workplace-based problem for this module In our first week we were asked to talk about a problem in our workplace and areas where research was required. My choice, having considered various company problems, was the motivation of employees, as being something which should be targeted. . It is obvious that motivation levels are at a low ebb. There is a clear lack of initiative when it comes to ways in which performance could be improved. They just are not interested in their work or their work place. My primary intention was to produce evidence based on research data to the company management about this problem and to talk with them about how they might improve levels of motivation amongst the employees. I have worked in this company for a number of years and know personally each member of staff within my own department as well as the majority of other employees within the organization and realised I was the person best suited to carry out the necessary research. As our academic learning has progressed we have discussed such matters as inquiry from the inside, possible preconceptions and now we have moved on to reflexivity. This has led me to become concerned about the way in which I can be both a part of the organization in my work and at the same time be detached and not a part of the organisation being researched. As well as this there is the matter of my knowledge of the organisation and the problems it has, and how this must not be allowed to affect the ways in which data is gathered collected and the research outcomes. I am planning a quantitative survey taking in employees, but my personal interface with the employees concerned is not needed and so that is one way where my influence will not affect data gathered.]. But I have also have to design the questionnaire to be used and need to be as neutral as far as my ideas and preconceptions so that they do not influence the results. should not be an influence. These are major concerns for me and places pragmatic constraints and things to be avoided during the research process. Implementing reflexivity in relation to workplace-based problem solving activities Within the discussion above are the subjects of methodological reflexivity, preconception, and epistemological reflexivity. Preconception must be validated, that is. the quantitative approach that I am going to carry out must not be influenced by the way in which questionnaires are designed and created. In order to carry out such a necessary validation I need to choose a group of experts within the field. Working with these people I would be able to do a pilot test. My findings could also be discussed with this expert group in order to ensure that the data found and the recommendations made as a result are pertinent and pragmatic for the organisation. In methodological reflexivity, the method of choice is qualitative. This ensures that interactions with employees are absent or limited and thus undue influences are reduced. Within epistemological reflexivity the use of a positivist approach will be utilised in order to produce new knowledge. Lee (2008: p. 549) stated that team members should exchange information as they reflect, giving more attention and awareness when monitoring, and evaluating the new product being developed. Hoegl and Parboteeah (2006) further add that the skills of project management can be included among the determinants in the reflexivity of teams. The discussion here is focused upon the process of the development of new products. As stated by Danneels (2002) the integration of knowledge under conditions o f uncertainty is the key to success in the development of new products. The aim of creating new knowledge and products using reflexivity is discussed. Reflexivity in relation to writing your final CAL report In the final CAL report I will be discussing the value of reflexivity with organisational research, and emphasising the use of reliability and validity and the avoidance of preconceptions, which together with my previous knowledge could influence the research. The discussion will in the main be focused upon the choice of method and how that is going to fit in with my study. Also discussed within the last CAL report will be the value of creating fresh knowledge. REFERENCES DANNEELS, E., 2002, The dynamics of product innovation and firm competences, Strategic Management Journal, 23: pp. 1095-121. GILBERT,N., 2008, Researching Social Life (3rd Edition), London: Sage. HERTZ,R. ( Ed.) 1997, Reflexivity and Voice, Thousand Oaks CA: Sage HOEGL, M. and PARBOTEEAH, K. ,2006, Team reflexivity in innovative projects”, R and D Management, 36 (2): pp. 113-25. LEE, L., 2008, The effects of team reflexivity and innovativeness on new product development performance”, Industrial Management & Data Systems, 108 (4): pp. 548-569 THORPE, R. and HOLT, R., 2008, The SAGE Dictionary of Qualitative Management Research, SAGE Publications, London Johnson, Phil and Duberley, Joanne (2000), “Understanding Management Research”, SAGE Publications, London Read More