An open letter to the Universe: a reflection on conducting “good” research
Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management
ISSN: 1746-5648
Article publication date: 29 November 2018
Issue publication date: 28 February 2019
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to reveal a qualitative researcher’s journey into finding her sense of self during a trial she faced while conducting her dissertation research.
Design/methodology/approach
Indigenous research methodologies (IRM) mixed with an autoethnography were used. A critical reflexivity position, with respect to being in the field, was adopted, melding in the Universe, the Sun and the Earth as objects that the author can talk and interact with. This reflexivity was captured within the letter to the Universe.
Findings
Three outcomes are discussed. Notably, the implications of this work with respect to power-relations and gender. The issue of being in the field is then discussed. Finally, untangling the practical implications of using IRM/autoethnography as a combined method is presented.
Social implications
The letter to the Universe offers a guide of sorts to other qualitative researchers, via one person’s experience in the field. The letter is, in the end, a cautionary story for others, acknowledging that the author can respond to a trial in a gendered fashion, that one needs to be humble along with being persistent, flexible and resourceful toward achieving “good” research.
Originality/value
As a Western, White woman scholar, who circles Indigenous influences, the author demonstrated (through this letter) one possible way of embracing, and acknowledging, IRM without appropriating it.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author would like to take this opportunity to thank three individuals, whose scholarship and guidance helped her to bring this work together. They, in their own respective ways, inspired the author to write the letter to the Universe. They gave the author permission to present herself as she is, an emotional being that must be brought forward into the light, out of hiding. Nathalie Lachance, Athabasca University, who introduced the author to a variety of writers focused on Indigenous storytelling. Jeff Baker, University of Saskatchewan, for sharing with the author his combined methodological approach based on action research-Indigenous methodologies-autoethnography and his own miskasowin. Finally, Patricia Monture, Mohawk from the Six Nations Grand River Territory, Lawyer, Activist and Educator who was Full Professor at the University of Saskatchewan, for helping the author to feel her rage via her writing. Monture guided the author to recognize that who she is, in the Universe, should be shared and not shamed into non-existence.
Citation
Ruel, S. (2019), "An open letter to the Universe: a reflection on conducting “good” research", Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management, Vol. 14 No. 1, pp. 55-74. https://doi.org/10.1108/QROM-03-2017-1511
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited