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“I don’t know why I’m here”: from knot‐working to not‐knowing

“I don’t know why I’m here”: from knot‐working to not‐knowing Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the idea of getting lost during field studies as a point of departure for reframing the initial research question. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents field notes and reflections to illustrate the process of tracing innovation in the field by means of a theoretical concept – “knot‐working” as proposed by Engeström (2008). By paying attention to seemingly irrelevant empirical data and experiences of being lost, the author infuses another theoretical concept – “not‐knowing” as proposed by Lather (2007). Findings – By questioning research questions, it becomes possible to challenge conventional assumptions in the field under study as well as assumptions underlying existing theory. It is argued that good research questions evolve iteratively throughout a study and might be even more valuable than answers (Alvesson and Sandberg, 2013). The paper illustrates how not‐knowing can serve as a methodological perspective from where ordinary held assumptions can be reconsidered, thus paving the way for novel research questions that can enhance established theory. Originality/value – The paper questions the initial research question: “How is the elderly care sector affected by innovation imperatives,” and ends up posing the reverse question: How are innovation imperatives affected – or how could they be affected – by the notion of care. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Journal of Organizational Ethnography Emerald Publishing

“I don’t know why I’m here”: from knot‐working to not‐knowing

Charlotte Wegener
Journal of Organizational Ethnography , Volume 3 (2): 13 – Aug 12, 2014
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References (43)

Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © 2014 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.
ISSN
2046-6749
DOI
10.1108/JOE-07-2013-0016
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the idea of getting lost during field studies as a point of departure for reframing the initial research question. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents field notes and reflections to illustrate the process of tracing innovation in the field by means of a theoretical concept – “knot‐working” as proposed by Engeström (2008). By paying attention to seemingly irrelevant empirical data and experiences of being lost, the author infuses another theoretical concept – “not‐knowing” as proposed by Lather (2007). Findings – By questioning research questions, it becomes possible to challenge conventional assumptions in the field under study as well as assumptions underlying existing theory. It is argued that good research questions evolve iteratively throughout a study and might be even more valuable than answers (Alvesson and Sandberg, 2013). The paper illustrates how not‐knowing can serve as a methodological perspective from where ordinary held assumptions can be reconsidered, thus paving the way for novel research questions that can enhance established theory. Originality/value – The paper questions the initial research question: “How is the elderly care sector affected by innovation imperatives,” and ends up posing the reverse question: How are innovation imperatives affected – or how could they be affected – by the notion of care.

Journal

Journal of Organizational Ethnography – Emerald Publishing

Published: Aug 12, 2014

Keywords: Innovation; Elderly care; VET education; Knot‐working; Not‐knowing

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