The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research in Organizational Communication

The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research in Organizational Communication is a comprehensive resource for scholars, students, and practitioners seeking to deepen their understanding and expertise in this field. It covers a diverse range of approaches, topics, and emerging trends, and is a cornerstone text for scholars, students, and practitioners interested in understanding the role of communication in organizational life.

Format: Hardback
Length: 744 pages
Publication date: 24 January 2024
Publisher: Sage Publications Ltd

The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research in Organizational Communication is a cutting-edge resource for scholars, students, and practitioners seeking to enhance their understanding and expertise in this dynamic field. Authored by a diverse team of established and emerging experts, this Handbook offers a comprehensive exploration of the foundational traditions of epistemology and theory, as well as its latest methodologies, methods, issues, and debates. The volume reflects a wide range of approaches, including mixed-methods, ethnographic, rhetorical, pragmatist, phenomenological, feminist, critical race, postcolonial, queer, and engaged, and covers a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from data collection and analysis to representation. Additionally, this Handbook addresses emerging trends such as digital forensics, post-qualitative research, and the transformative impact of COVID-19 on the conduct of qualitative research in organizational communication. As the first volume of its kind in this field, The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research in Organizational Communication serves as a cornerstone text for scholars, students, and practitioners interested in understanding the vital role of communication in organizational life.

Part 1: Approaches to Qualitative Organizational Communication Research

Qualitative organizational communication research employs a variety of approaches to explore and understand the complexities of communication within organizations. These approaches include, but are not limited to, mixed-methods, ethnographic, rhetorical, pragmatist, phenomenological, feminist, critical race, postcolonial, queer, and engaged. Each approach offers unique insights and perspectives, allowing researchers to capture the rich and nuanced nature of organizational communication.

Mixed-methods research combines quantitative and qualitative methods to collect and analyze data. This approach allows researchers to triangulate data sources, validate findings, and gain a deeper understanding of the research problem. Ethnographic research involves immersing oneself in a particular culture or organization to observe and document the behavior and interactions of individuals. Rhetorical analysis examines the language and discourse used in organizational communication to understand how power, ideology, and identity are constructed and reproduced. Pragmatist research focuses on the practical implications of organizational communication and seeks to develop interventions that are effective and meaningful. Phenomenological research aims to understand the subjective experiences and perspectives of individuals involved in organizational communication. Feminist research examines the gendered and power dynamics of organizational communication and seeks to promote gender equality and social justice. Critical race research examines the ways in which race, ethnicity, and culture shape organizational communication and seeks to promote diversity and inclusion. Postcolonial research examines the ways in which power and colonialism shape organizational communication and seeks to decolonize organizational practices. Queer research examines the experiences and perspectives of LGBTQ+ individuals in organizational communication and seeks to promote LGBTQ+ rights and equality. Engaged research involves collaborating with stakeholders to develop interventions that are responsive to their needs and interests.

Part 2: Data Collection in Qualitative Organizational Communication Research: Methods and Issues

Data collection in qualitative organizational communication research is a critical step in the research process. There are several methods and issues that researchers should consider when collecting data.

Ethnographic research involves immersing oneself in a particular culture or organization to observe and document the behavior and interactions of individuals. This method requires careful planning and preparation, including developing a research plan, selecting participants, and collecting data through participant observation, interviews, and other methods. One of the key issues in ethnographic research is maintaining ethical standards and ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of participants. Interviewing is a common method used in qualitative organizational communication research to collect data from individuals. Interviews can be conducted in person, over the phone, or through video conferencing. Interviews can be structured or unstructured, and can be used to collect data on a wide range of topics, including organizational culture, communication practices, and employee experiences. One of the key issues in interview research is ensuring that participants feel comfortable and safe during the interview process. Another method used in qualitative organizational communication research is focus groups. Focus groups involve bringing together a small group of individuals to discuss a particular topic or issue. Focus groups can be used to collect data on a wide range of topics, including organizational culture, communication practices, and employee experiences. One of the key issues in focus group research is ensuring that participants feel comfortable and engaged in the discussion. Another method used in qualitative organizational communication research is document analysis. Document analysis involves examining written materials, such as policies, reports, and emails, to collect data on organizational communication practices. Document analysis can be used to identify patterns, trends, and themes in organizational communication and to understand how communication is used to achieve organizational goals. One of the key issues in document analysis is ensuring that the materials being analyzed are relevant to the research problem and that the analysis is rigorous and accurate.

Data analysis and representation in qualitative organizational communication research are critical steps in the research process. There are several methods and issues that researchers should consider when analyzing and representing data.

Qualitative data analysis involves using a variety of methods to identify patterns, trends, and themes in the data. These methods include thematic analysis, narrative analysis, and discourse analysis. Thematic analysis involves identifying and coding themes in the data based on their frequency and significance. Narrative analysis involves analyzing the stories and narratives told by participants to understand their experiences and perspectives. Discourse

Part 3: Data Analysis and Representation in Qualitative Organizational Communication Research: Methods and Issues

Data analysis and representation in qualitative organizational communication research are critical steps in the research process. There are several methods and issues that researchers should consider when analyzing and representing data.

Qualitative data analysis involves using a variety of methods to identify patterns, trends, and themes in the data. These methods include thematic analysis, narrative analysis, and discourse analysis. Thematic analysis involves identifying and coding themes in the data based on their frequency and significance. Narrative analysis involves analyzing the stories and narratives told by participants to understand their experiences and perspectives. Discourse analysis involves analyzing the language and discourse used in organizational communication to understand how power, ideology, and identity are constructed and reproduced.

One of the key issues in qualitative data analysis is ensuring that the analysis is rigorous and accurate. This involves carefully reviewing the data, coding the data, and developing a clear and concise analysis that is grounded in the data. Another issue in qualitative data analysis is ensuring that the analysis is transparent and accessible to other researchers. This involves providing clear and detailed descriptions of the methods used, the data collection process, and the analysis process, and using appropriate language and notation to ensure that other researchers can understand and replicate the analysis.

In addition to these issues, there are also ethical considerations that researchers should consider when analyzing and representing data. These considerations include ensuring that participants are treated with respect and dignity, that their privacy and confidentiality are protected, and that their data is used only for research purposes.

Part 4: The Future of Qualitative Organizational Communication Research

The future of qualitative organizational communication research is bright and promising. There are several emerging trends and developments that will shape the direction of this field in the coming years.

One of the emerging trends in qualitative organizational communication research is the use of digital forensics. Digital forensics involves the analysis of digital data, such as emails, social media posts, and other electronic communications, to understand how organizations communicate and interact with their stakeholders. This trend is particularly relevant in the age of social media, where organizations are increasingly using social media platforms to communicate with their stakeholders and engage with them in real-time. Another emerging trend in qualitative organizational communication research is the use of post-qualitative research. Post-qualitative research involves the use of qualitative methods to analyze and interpret quantitative data. This trend is particularly relevant in the age of big data, where organizations are collecting large amounts of data from a variety of sources, such as social media, sensors, and other electronic devices. Post-qualitative research can help organizations to make sense of the vast amounts of data they are collecting and to identify patterns and trends that can inform their decision-making processes.

Another emerging trend in qualitative organizational communication research is the use of mixed-methods research. Mixed-methods research involves the use of a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to collect and analyze data. This trend is particularly relevant in the age of complexity, where organizations are facing complex and interconnected challenges that require a multi-faceted approach to understanding and addressing. Mixed-methods research can help organizations to gain a deeper understanding of the complex and interconnected nature of their challenges and to develop more effective and sustainable solutions.

Finally, another emerging trend in qualitative organizational communication research is the use of interdisciplinary approaches. Interdisciplinary approaches involve the collaboration of researchers from different fields, such as communication, psychology, and management, to understand and address complex organizational challenges. Interdisciplinary approaches can help organizations to gain a broader perspective on their challenges and to develop more innovative and effective solutions.

In conclusion, the Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research in Organizational Communication is a comprehensive and authoritative resource for scholars, students, and practitioners seeking to deepen their understanding and expertise in this dynamic field. The Handbook offers a comprehensive exploration of the foundational traditions of epistemology and theory, as well as its latest methodologies, methods, issues, and debates. The volume reflects a diverse range of approaches, including mixed-methods, ethnographic, rhetorical, pragmatist, phenomenological, feminist, critical race, postcolonial, queer, and engaged, and covers a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from data collection and analysis to representation. Additionally, the Handbook addresses emerging trends such as digital forensics, post-qualitative research, and the transformative impact of COVID-19 on the conduct of qualitative research in organizational communication. As the first volume of its kind in this field, The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research in Organizational Communication serves as a cornerstone text for scholars, students, and practitioners interested in understanding the vital role of communication in organizational life.

Weight: 1448g
Dimension: 181 x 254 x 47 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529794632