Crafting Qualitative Research: Working in the Postpositivist Traditions

by Pushkala Prasad

Courses in management research have traditionally focused on quantitative techniques, and no available text adequately covers the many different perspectives within the qualitative model or shows which qualitative techniques work best in different settings. "Crafting Qualitative Research" fills this need. In clear and readable prose, this comprehensive text offers a detailed guide to the rich diversity of qualitative research traditions, with examples and applications specifically designed for the field of management. Each of the book's four main sections includes a descriptive "tree" diagram that lays out the historical origins of that section's traditions. Each chapter is devoted to a specific methodology and includes historical origins and development; techniques and applications; current controversies and emerging issues; and a summary box highlighting that method's utility. With its detailed and easy-to-understand coverage, this will be the text of choice for any instructor who wants to include the qualitative approach in a research methods course, as well as a useful resource for anyone doing research in the post-positivist traditions.

354 pages, Paperback

First published April 28, 2005

Reviews

[Zaklina · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was one od mandatory ones in one qualitative course I took during doctoral studies. Book is organized ok and gives introduction to various topics. BUT! What does this book do? Expands already established boxes and misunderstandings which later perpetuate many social issues and stereotypes. The author clearly didn’t reconsider the impact of generalizations which is ironic consider this book ‘should give you’ input on removing stereotypes. I’ll give one example where this book fails. As a female from Southeast Europe, I really encountered many false generalizations which are easily taken on by other (US) students which a) already miss understanding of the world, b) they take what is written is this book as universal truth. Why constantly generalizing ‘Europe’, europeanization, etc? NOT all of European countries were colonizers, in fact, Prasad is directly disregarding histories of countries which are over 200 MILION OF PEOPLE and falsely perpetuating wrong divides. And then try to explain that NOT ALL WHITE people are racist, NOT ALL are privileged, and sorry but neither every country has as problematic racial divides and injustices as the USA. Stop projecting US norms to the whole world. Thanks Prasad for shutting down whole identities of millions of people.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for social science researchers only! Helps clear confusion around different qualitative research traditions- interpretive, deep structure, the critical traditions and traditions of the "post". Very helpful.