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Inside-out: cultural insiders as informants in outsider qualitative fieldwork

Inside-out: cultural insiders as informants in outsider qualitative fieldwork To document our experiences as female non-native researchers carrying out qualitative research in another country (Bahrain), and to reflect on our interactions with cultural insiders (CIs) as informants in this qualitative study. CIs share cultural commonalities such as language, social background and culture and are considered accepted members of the local community.Design/methodology/approachTwo Bahraini academics were recruited as CIs for a qualitative research study and informant data was collected through face-to-face unstructured interviews over a period of 16 months. Data analysis involved manual and NVivo analytical processes.FindingsResearch findings derived three main themes: perceptions relating to the research participant interview template, views on collaboration in Bahrain, and research practicalities. CI engagement offered an opportunity to get fresh perspectives and insights that ultimately informed and improved the standard of research practice.Research limitations/implicationsAs knowledge is subjective, multidimensional and partial, the inclusion of CIs offers a greater opportunity to capture true meaning within the data. Through close proximity to the research context, CIs can share pivotal social insights on the design of interview instruments and process, and on member checking and findings. However, CIs come with their own experiences and views of their community, a recognised limitation in this study.Practical implicationsA CI research protocol, designed to set boundaries and document the steps involved in CI engagement offers a process that may be replicated or adapted in future research and ensures parameters are observed for all parties and affords the security of insider counsel where and when needed.Originality/valueThe methodological approach of incorporating CIs as informants from the Middle East, is novel in management research. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management An International Journal Emerald Publishing

Inside-out: cultural insiders as informants in outsider qualitative fieldwork

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References (42)

Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
© Emerald Publishing Limited
ISSN
1746-5648
DOI
10.1108/qrom-11-2022-2426
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

To document our experiences as female non-native researchers carrying out qualitative research in another country (Bahrain), and to reflect on our interactions with cultural insiders (CIs) as informants in this qualitative study. CIs share cultural commonalities such as language, social background and culture and are considered accepted members of the local community.Design/methodology/approachTwo Bahraini academics were recruited as CIs for a qualitative research study and informant data was collected through face-to-face unstructured interviews over a period of 16 months. Data analysis involved manual and NVivo analytical processes.FindingsResearch findings derived three main themes: perceptions relating to the research participant interview template, views on collaboration in Bahrain, and research practicalities. CI engagement offered an opportunity to get fresh perspectives and insights that ultimately informed and improved the standard of research practice.Research limitations/implicationsAs knowledge is subjective, multidimensional and partial, the inclusion of CIs offers a greater opportunity to capture true meaning within the data. Through close proximity to the research context, CIs can share pivotal social insights on the design of interview instruments and process, and on member checking and findings. However, CIs come with their own experiences and views of their community, a recognised limitation in this study.Practical implicationsA CI research protocol, designed to set boundaries and document the steps involved in CI engagement offers a process that may be replicated or adapted in future research and ensures parameters are observed for all parties and affords the security of insider counsel where and when needed.Originality/valueThe methodological approach of incorporating CIs as informants from the Middle East, is novel in management research.

Journal

Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management An International Journal – Emerald Publishing

Published: Mar 22, 2023

Keywords: Qualitative research; Cultural insiders; Outsider researcher; Middle East; Bahrain

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