doing work based research approaches to enquiry for insider researchers

Doing Work‐Based Research: Approaches to Enquiry for Insider‐Researchers

Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning

ISSN : 2042-3896

Article publication date: 1 January 2011

Treadwell, P. (2011), "Doing Work‐Based Research: Approaches to Enquiry for Insider‐Researchers", Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning , Vol. 1 No. 1, pp. 78-80. https://doi.org/10.1108/heswbl.2011.1.1.78.1

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

This book focusing on the emergence of work‐based learning is very timely. In a global knowledge economy, the interface between universities and the public and private sectors has never been more important. In the UK higher education system, there is now a visible shift away from a simple supply side approach to a more integrated system which allows for the provision of high‐level study via blended and work‐based learning. This added educational focus, if it can be effectively co‐funded by the nation state and the private and public sectors, will see a massive growth in demand led, “just in time” and “just for me” high‐level learning. Upskilling our workforce and promoting organisational growth, economic regeneration and personal development are increasingly vital in these times of austerity.

This publication focuses on the nature of work‐based learning and work‐based learning project management. It has a necessary and strong emphasis on the significance of continuous learning of people already at work. It highlights the growing interest in practitioner‐led research and rightly stresses the importance of reflective practice and reflexivity for all of us in our working environments. It is particularly useful in that it is not just a research methods book for individuals and academics linked to work‐based learning – it is much more than that.

Chapter 1 superbly outlines key concepts for the “insider‐researcher” engaged in work‐based learning. It highlights some of the key processes and tensions that an insider‐researcher will be confronted with and headlines the significance of working in official and unofficial “communities of practice” in order to better understand ones own role and how to challenge ones own company to become a learning organisation.

Chapter 2 is a concise and eloquent walk through how an insider‐researcher should build a relevant knowledge bank in preparation for any work‐based project. It cleverly juxtaposes conventional academic literature review approaches with a broader search approach. It highlights the value of the “invisible college” of knowledge and information stored by people with a common interest who may be residing inside ones own organisation or professional community. It also highlights the power and growing accessibility of broadcast and worldwide web material. However, of particular significance in this chapter is the section on critical evaluation of any information that the insider‐researcher locates, and offers particularly helpful guidelines which promote discussion between the researcher and ones tutors or industrial mentors. For example, it asks a number of key questions of the insider‐researcher, including “what is the perspective of the writer you are studying and is there a logical flow of ideas in the text under scrutiny?” It goes on to ask challenging question about how this new knowledge impacts on the ideas and initial writing of insider‐researchers. It concludes with a helpful guide on how to structure a review chapter.

Chapters 3‐5 focus on ethical issues which are at the heart of work‐based learning research. They stress the importance of understanding the power dynamics inside ones own organisation and in particular some of the inevitable difficulties of whether one is able to distance oneself from ones own work‐based learning research. I found this particular group of chapters illuminating and sensitive as they emphasised the human side of work‐based learning research, especially linked to gaining access and approval for research in the first place and the ethics of care and gratitude as one engages in and finally concluded a research project. All of work‐based learning research requires a sensitivity and realisation that maintaining positive human relationships are at the heart of both research effectiveness and organisational change and development.

Chapter 6 was, for me as a work‐based learning academic trying to promote in situ learning with fellow academics and directors of human resources in companies, a most welcome structural guide. This whole aspect of negotiated learning where academic standards and demand led skills development can be married together offers massive opportunities for the learner, the supporting academic and industrial mentor. It is a springboard into Chapters 7‐9 which highlight the importance of the development of a clear research methodology, the benefits of collaborative research and the significance of reflection on professional practice.

Chapter 9 is of great significance in the way it demystifies reflective practice and builds strong connections between reflective practice and action research. It offers a valuable step‐by‐step guide to reflective practice and succinctly highlights some of the strengths and dilemmas in engaging in critical reflection.

The remaining four chapters draw on live work‐based learning projects for the reader to critique and begin to recognise the wide variety of research proposals and methodologies that are available for use. In particular, Chapter 10 on work‐based research in action astutely highlights how the insider‐researcher can generate new knowledge and insights into their own working environment and personal practice. A rich tapestry of over 20 work‐based research in action examples are offered to the reader and are superb “snapshots” of how workers as employees became insider‐researchers. They provide illuminating insights into how researchers aligned themselves to particular research perspectives and expert academic opinion on research methods like ethnography and case study. They also, individually and collectively, highlight the importance of clear research articulation of aims, objectives and potential outputs and offer fascinating cameos into our understanding of “the organisation” and stress the importance of researcher networking and collaborative working. If nothing else, this chapter is a superb catalyst for discussion around work‐based research methodologies.

The remaining chapters then offer a sensible linear progression from research proposal writing through to how to utilise the insider research for meaningful recommendations to academic and professional audiences and organisational leaders.

Overall, this is a superbly readable and enticing text for both first‐time insider‐researchers into work‐based research and to academics and industrial mentors already conversant with this important multi and trans‐disciplinary field of learning.

Each of the chapters has a stand‐alone significance to any reader. However, the collective impact of the book in terms of the knowledge, skills and understanding that it can provide the insider‐researcher cannot be underestimated.

I would recommend this book to any learner, practitioner or manager about to embark on research in their own organisation. It is both an authoritative and highly readable guide to the practice and underpinning theory of work‐based learning research. I have no doubt its reach and impact will be wide ranging.

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Doing Work Based Research Approaches to Enquiry for Insider-Researchers

• Carol Costley - University of Middlesex
• Geoffrey C Elliott - University of Worcester, UK
• Paul Gibbs - University of Middlesex
• Description

The authors explore the implications of these research contexts, and discuss approaches and methodologies that work based researchers might adopt, with a particular focus on ethics - one of the key concerns for those undertaking a research project of this type.

This book is an authoritative and readable guide to the theory and practice of work based research. It is for anyone undertaking a research project based on work practice, including learners on postgraduate, undergraduate and doctoral programmes. Practitioners, managers and participants in work based courses or modules in education, healthcare and business management, will find it particularly useful.

'Synthesized in a highly accessible format, the readers are offered clear, practical information worth its weight in gold to anyone seeking clarity about the precise nature of the tasks they have ahead…I cannot recommend the book highly enough and would definitely prescribe its use as an antidote to the insomnia that may affect those expert practitioners but naïve academics embarking upon such a path' - Management Learning

'The collective impact of [this] book in terms of the knowledge, skills and understanding that it can provide the insider-researcher cannot be underestimated...I would recommend this book to any learner, practitioner or manager about to embark on research in their own organisation. It is both an authoratative and highly readable guide to practice and underpinning theory of work-based learning research. I have no doubt its reach and impact will be wide ranging' Journal of Higher Education, Skills and Work Based Learning

'This book provides an invaluable resource for practitioners engaged in real world research in, for and through the workplace. Practitioners bring to work-based research a wealth of practice based expertise and insight. Yet those new to researching their field of practice also have to attune their mind-sets to the discipline and demands of social scientific research. Costley Elliot and Gibbs' text achieves an intelligent balance in acknowledging their readers' expertise and experience in managing the realities of work while confronting them with the challenges and options that the research journey will present. From design to dissemination, from ethics to evaluation, the authors navigate the rich terrain of research methodology and work-based inquiry, alerting the reader to the array of perspectives and choices as well as pitfalls for the unwary. With examples that stimulate and tasks that consolidate, the text can be used from introductory to doctoral levels. A welcome and timely addition to the 'research methods' literature in a burgeoning field' - Professor Karen Evans, Institute of Education, University of London

'This is an important contribution to the ever-growing literature on the subject of insider research. Its practical focus provides readers with a substantive guide to considering and enacting research in their own organisations' - David Coghlan, Trinity College Dublin, author of Doing Action Research in Your Own Organization.

This is a really useful text for students navigating the complexities of being an insider researcher, including the challenges of working ethically, negotiating power relationships, and seeking to build collaborative practices. Highly recommended.

The textbooks provide a really interesting perspective on work-based research. We are adopting it for our new Final Project module

Good clear information relating to carrying out a research project including action research and how it is to be conducted.

Although not suitable for the module, it is a good guide for my teaching staff who are encouraged to conduct Action Research within their everyday practice

As previously expressed this publication clearly explains the process for research in a working environment to enable students to explore their chosen topics for dissertations (BA) and action research (Fd) on relevant programmes.

This publication enables students to clearly relate their research to practical situations in the workplace. Clear questions are highlighted to support students projects in their work environment.

This is a great accessible read with good examples.

Very clear guide to carring out research in the workplace. Ideal introduction for those in education

A really accessible book with thoughtful reflective questions to support work based students.

Preview this book

Sample materials & chapters.

Introduction

Chapter One

For instructors

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Doing Work Based Research Approaches to Enquiry for Insider-Researchers

• Carol Costley - University of Middlesex
• Geoffrey C Elliott - University of Worcester, UK
• Paul Gibbs - University of Middlesex
• Description
• Author(s) / Editor(s)

With the growth of practitioner research, this book leads the way by addressing key issues faced by 'insider researchers' – those doing research projects in the organizations and communities in which they themselves work, or where they are already familiar with the setting.

The authors explore the implications of these research contexts, and discuss approaches and methodologies that researchers in these contexts might adopt, with a particular focus on ethics - one of the key concerns for students undertaking a research project of this type. This book is for anyone undertaking a research project based on work practice, including postgraduate, undergraduate and doctoral students. Students on work-based programs or modules including education, healthcare and business courses, whose research projects are often undertaken in workplace settings, will find it particularly useful.

'Synthesized in a highly accessible format, the readers are offered clear, practical information worth its weight in gold to anyone seeking clarity about the precise nature of the tasks they have ahead…I cannot recommend the book highly enough and would definitely prescribe its use as an antidote to the insomnia that may affect those expert practitioners but naïve academics embarking upon such a path' - Management Learning

'The collective impact of [this] book in terms of the knowledge, skills and understanding that it can provide the insider-researcher cannot be underestimated...I would recommend this book to any learner, practitioner or manager about to embark on research in their own organisation. It is both an authoratative and highly readable guide to practice and underpinning theory of work-based learning research. I have no doubt its reach and impact will be wide ranging' Journal of Higher Education, Skills and Work Based Learning

'This book provides an invaluable resource for practitioners engaged in real world research in, for and through the workplace. Practitioners bring to work-based research a wealth of practice based expertise and insight. Yet those new to researching their field of practice also have to attune their mind-sets to the discipline and demands of social scientific research. Costley Elliot and Gibbs' text achieves an intelligent balance in acknowledging their readers' expertise and experience in managing the realities of work while confronting them with the challenges and options that the research journey will present. From design to dissemination, from ethics to evaluation, the authors navigate the rich terrain of research methodology and work-based inquiry, alerting the reader to the array of perspectives and choices as well as pitfalls for the unwary. With examples that stimulate and tasks that consolidate, the text can be used from introductory to doctoral levels. A welcome and timely addition to the 'research methods' literature in a burgeoning field' - Professor Karen Evans, Institute of Education, University of London

'This is an important contribution to the ever-growing literature on the subject of insider research. Its practical focus provides readers with a substantive guide to considering and enacting research in their own organisations' - David Coghlan, Trinity College Dublin, author of Doing Action Research in Your Own Organization.

This is a really useful text for students navigating the complexities of being an insider researcher, including the challenges of working ethically, negotiating power relationships, and seeking to build collaborative practices. Highly recommended.

The textbooks provide a really interesting perspective on work-based research. We are adopting it for our new Final Project module

Good clear information relating to carrying out a research project including action research and how it is to be conducted.

Although not suitable for the module, it is a good guide for my teaching staff who are encouraged to conduct Action Research within their everyday practice

As previously expressed this publication clearly explains the process for research in a working environment to enable students to explore their chosen topics for dissertations (BA) and action research (Fd) on relevant programmes.

This publication enables students to clearly relate their research to practical situations in the workplace. Clear questions are highlighted to support students projects in their work environment.

This is a great accessible read with good examples.

Very clear guide to carring out research in the workplace. Ideal introduction for those in education

A really accessible book with thoughtful reflective questions to support work based students.

Preview this book

Sample materials & chapters.

Introduction

Chapter One

Carol Costley

Geoffrey c elliott.

Dr Geoffrey Elliott is Professor of Post-Compulsory Education at the University of Worcester. He has worked in schools, further and adult education, and has previously held posts in the School of Independent Study at the University of East London, and the Open University where he taught on the Professional Doctorate programme in Education. His research interests are in Leadership, Ethics, and Widening Participation in Higher Education. Geoffrey is President of the Association for Research in Post-Compulsory Education, the sponsor of the international peer reviewed journal Research in Post-Compulsory Education which he has edited since its... More About Author

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SAGE Research Methods is a research methods tool created to help researchers, faculty and students with their research projects. SAGE Research Methods links over 175,000 pages of SAGE’s renowned book, journal and reference content with truly advanced search and discovery tools. Researchers can explore methods concepts to help them design research projects, understand particular methods or identify a new method, conduct their research, and write up their findings. Since SAGE Research Methods focuses on methodology rather than disciplines, it can be used across the social sciences, health sciences, and more.

Doing work based research: approaches to enquiry for insider research

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Doing Work Based Research: Approaches to Enquiry for Insider-Researchers Paperback – 25 Mar. 2010

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The authors explore the implications of these research contexts, and discuss approaches and methodologies that work based researchers might adopt, with a particular focus on ethics - one of the key concerns for those undertaking a research project of this type.

This book is an authoritative and readable guide to the theory and practice of work based research. It is for anyone undertaking a research project based on work practice, including learners on postgraduate, undergraduate and doctoral programmes. Practitioners, managers and participants in work based courses or modules in education, healthcare and business management, will find it particularly useful.

• ISBN-10 1848606788
• ISBN-13 978-1848606784
• Edition 1st
• Publisher SAGE Publications Ltd
• Publication date 25 Mar. 2010
• Language English
• Dimensions 16.99 x 1.3 x 24.21 cm
• Print length 224 pages
• See all details

Product description

′The collective impact of [this] book in terms of the knowledge, skills and understanding that it can provide the insider-researcher cannot be underestimated...I would recommend this book to any learner, practitioner or manager about to embark on research in their own organisation. It is both an authoratative and highly readable guide to practice and underpinning theory of work-based learning research. I have no doubt its reach and impact will be wide ranging′ Journal of Higher Education, Skills and Work Based Learning

′This book provides an invaluable resource for practitioners engaged in real world research in, for and through the workplace. Practitioners bring to work-based research a wealth of practice based expertise and insight. Yet those new to researching their field of practice also have to attune their mind-sets to the discipline and demands of social scientific research. Costley Elliot and Gibbs′ text achieves an intelligent balance in acknowledging their readers′ expertise and experience in managing the realities of work while confronting them with the challenges and options that the research journey will present. From design to dissemination, from ethics to evaluation, the authors navigate the rich terrain of research methodology and work-based inquiry, alerting the reader to the array of perspectives and choices as well as pitfalls for the unwary. With examples that stimulate and tasks that consolidate, the text can be used from introductory to doctoral levels. A welcome and timely addition to the ′research methods′ literature in a burgeoning field′ - Professor Karen Evans, Institute of Education, University of London

′This is an important contribution to the ever-growing literature on the subject of insider research. Its practical focus provides readers with a substantive guide to considering and enacting research in their own organisations′ - David Coghlan, Trinity College Dublin, author of Doing Action Research in Your Own Organization.

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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ SAGE Publications Ltd; 1st edition (25 Mar. 2010)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1848606788
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1848606784
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 16.99 x 1.3 x 24.21 cm
• 156 in Under- & Postgraduate Student Guides
• 7,010 in Education Studies

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Carol costley.

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Doing Work Based Research: Approaches to Enquiry for Insider-Researchers

• By: Carol Costley , Geoffrey Elliott & Paul Gibbs
• Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd
• Publication year: 2010
• Online pub date: December 20, 2013
• Discipline: Business and Management
• Methods: Case study research , Action research , Evaluation
• DOI: https:// doi. org/10.4135/9781446287880
• Keywords: communities of practice , contracts , knowledge , learning for work , organizations , outcomes , project work Show all Show less
• Print ISBN: 9781848606784
• Online ISBN: 9781446287880
• Buy the book icon link

Subject index

With the growth of practitioner research, this book leads the way by addressing key issues faced by ‘insider researchers’ – those doing research projects in the organizations and communities in which they themselves work, or where they are already familiar with the setting.

The authors explore the implications of these research contexts, and discuss approaches and methodologies that researchers in these contexts might adopt, with a particular focus on ethics – one of the key concerns for students undertaking a research project of this type.

This book is for anyone undertaking a research project based on work practice, including postgraduate, undergraduate and doctoral students. Students on work-based programs or modules including education, healthcare and business courses, whose research projects are often undertaken in workplace settings, will find it particularly useful.

Front Matter

• Education at SAGE
• List of Tables and Figures
• Acknowledgements
• About the Authors
• Introduction: The Context of Work Based Research in Higher Education
• Chapter 1 | Key Concepts for the Insider-Researcher
• Chapter 2 | Search and Review of Relevant Knowledge and Information
• Chapter 3 | Research Ethics and Insider-Researchers
• Chapter 4 | Privilege, Power and Politics in Work Based Research
• Chapter 5 | Gaining Access for the Insider-Researcher: Issues, Practices, Audiences, Ethics and Gratitude
• Chapter 6 | Learning Contracts/Agreements and Intellectual Capital
• Chapter 7 | Developing a Methodology
• Chapter 8 | Collaborative Research
• Chapter 9 | A Reflection on Professional Practice
• Chapter 10 | Work Based Research in Action
• Chapter 11 | The Development of a Research Proposal
• Chapter 12 | Preparing and Evaluating Project Outcomes and Assessing the Learning Achieved
• Chapter 13 | Recommendations and Presentations Arising from the Research

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