Qualitative research methods in organization studies 5 credits
Associate professor Niina Koivunen
Department of Management
14.9.2012
Goals:
The purpose of the course is to provide an introduction to qualitative research by reading research methodology literature and dissertations that are applying qualitative research methods.
Requirements:
The student is required to read two method books and two dissertations chosen from the course reading list. It is advisable to choose dissertations that use a method unfamiliar to you even though the subject area may not be close to your topic. Based on this reading, you are to write an essay of 15-20 pages. It is not necessary to repeat or sum up the content of these texts but to use the texts to explain what you have learned about qualitative methods. First, reflect upon your learning, insights and realizations. Write about what you still do not understand or find confusing. Second, ponder how you could use these new ideas in your own research. What choices could you make, what kinds of data to collect and how to analyze that data? You can structure your essay as you choose. I will comment on each essay either in feedback discussion or in written format.
Introductory lecture (in Finnish):
There is one introductory lecture in this course, it is held in Finnish. The lecture is on Tuesday 9.10.2012 13:00-16:00 in Tervahovi D118. It is not compulsory to attend this lecture.
Method books:
Eriksson, Päivi & Kovalainen, Anne (2008): Qualitative Methods in Business Research, Sage.
Choose one the following books OR suggest a book of your interest:
Berger, Peter L. and Thomas Luckmann (1967): The social construction of reality : A treatise in the sociology of knowledge, New York : Doubleday.
Burr, Vivien (1995): An Introduction to Social Construction, London: Routledge.
Czarniawska, Barbara (2004): Narratives in Social Science Research, London: Sage.
Dissertations:
Bragd, Annica (2002): Knowing Management. An Ethnographic Study of Tinkering with a New Car. Göteborg: BAS. (ask Niina for a copy)
Crevani, Lucia (2011): Clearing for Action: Leadership as a Relational Phenomenon, The Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm,
Granqvist, Nina (2007): Nanotechnology and nanolabeling – Essays on the emergence of new technological fields. A-317. Helsinki: Helsinki School of Economics.
Halme, Minna (1997): Environmental Management Paradigm Shifts in Business Enterprises. Organisational Learning Relating to Recycling and Forest Management Issues in Two Finnish Paper Companies. Tampere: TAJU. (available in Tritonia)
Henttonen, Elina (2010): An ethnographic study of women’s small ICT business in Finland, Helsinki: Aalto University School of Economics. (available in Tritonia)
Koivunen, Niina (2003): Leadership in Symphony Orchestras. Discursive and Aesthetic Practices. Tampere: Tampere University Press. in Tritonia)
LaPointe, Kirsi (2011): Moral struggles, subtle shifts. Narrative practices of identity work in career transition, Helsinki: Aalto University School of Economics. (available in Tritonia)
Leponiemi, Jussi (2008): Ethnic Minority Member Perspective of Leader-Member Exchange, Vaasa: University of Vaasa. ((available in Tritonia)
Mäkelä, Liisa (2009): Women’s Leader-Member Relationships during Pregnancy and the Return to Work, Vaasa: University of Vaasa. (available in Tritonia)
Tallberg, Teemu (2009): The gendered social organization of defense: Two ethnographic case studies in the Finnish Defense Forces. Helsinki: Hanken School of Economics. (available in Tritonia)
Tienari, Janne (1999): Through the ranks, slowly: studies on organizational reforms and gender in banking. Helsinki: Helsinki School of Economics and Business Administration. (available in Tritonia))
Vaara, Eero (1999) Towards a rediscovery of organizational politics: Essays on organizational integration following mergers and acquisitions. Helsinki: Helsinki School of Economics and Business Administration.
Vilén, Tanja (2010): Being in Between. An Ethnographic Study of Opera and Dialogical Identity Construction. Helsinki: Hanken School of Economics. (available in Tritonia)
Vironmäki, Emma (2007): Academic Marketing in Finland: Living Up to Conflicting Expectations, Åbo Akademi School of Business. Helsinki: SEFE. (available in Tritonia)
Returning of the essay:
There are two deadlines to return the essay, either by December 10, 2012 or by April 12, 2013. Please return your text as attached document to . If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me either by email or by phone (06-324 8332)
Grading of the course:
The course will be graded by the 1-5 scale.
1