What is action ethnography? Reconsidering our intentions for impact in ethnographic practice
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to offer an accessible and interdisciplinary research strategy in organisational ethnography, called action ethnography, that acknowledges key concepts from action research and engaged and immersive ethnography. It aims to encourage methodological innovation and an impact turn in ethnographic practice.
Design/methodology/approach
A working definition of “action ethnography” is provided first. Then, to illustrate how an action ethnography can be designed by considering impact from the outset, the author draws on a study she is undertaking with a grassroots human rights monitoring group, based in England, and then discusses advantages and limitations to the approach.
Findings
The author suggests three main tenets to action ethnography that embrace synergies between action research and ethnography: researcher immersion, intervention leading to change and knowledge contributions that are useful to both practitioners and researchers.
Practical implications
This paper provides researchers who align with aspects of both action research and ethnography with an accessible research strategy to employ, and a better understanding of the interplay between the two approaches when justifying their research designs. It also offers an example of designing an action ethnography in practice.
Originality/value
Whereas “traditional” ethnography has emphasised a contribution to theoretical knowledge, less attention has been on a contribution to practice and to those who ethnographers engage with in the field. Action ethnography challenges researchers to consider the impact of their research from the outset during the research design, rather upon reflection after a study is completed.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank the two peer reviewers, Daniel Haslam, Hazel Andrews and Emanuela Girei, for their helpful suggestions in the drafting of this manuscript. Also, I would like to express my gratitude to Harry Wels, the Ethnography Symposium 2023 organizers and attendees, Mike Rowe and my writing retreat companions for your encouragement and support.
Citation
Vincett, J. (2024), "What is action ethnography? Reconsidering our intentions for impact in ethnographic practice", Journal of Organizational Ethnography, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JOE-12-2023-0071
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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