Learning objectives

The course “Qualitative Research Methods” presents worldviews and paradigms that display fundamental ideas about life and society (e.g. Social constructionist research, Interpretative research, Critical studies, Historiography). Further, it presents some popular theories in social sciences (e.g. Foucault’s governmentality framework; Searle’s theory of institutional reality, Schatzki’s practice theory) and how these theories and related methodologies are coherently applied in qualitative accounting and management research. Finally, the course focuses upon qualitative data collection and analysis, with the following focus: i) Case study approach, grounded theory method (GTM), with specific reference to Gioia method; ii) interviews, focus groups, qualitative coding and content analysis; iii) Critical discourse analysis, action research, participant observation and ethnography; iv) Abductive reasoning approach.

Program

Class 1 (6 h)
Paradigms: an introduction (1/2)
An epistemological debate about researching. An overview of popular paradigms adopted in qualitative accounting and management research (e.g. social constructionist research, interpretive research, critical research, historiography).
Class 2 (6 h)
Research methodologies and strategies (2/2)
An overview of popular methodologies and strategies adopted in qualitative accounting and management research. The structure of a qualitative research paper.
Class 3 (6 h)
Theories (1/2)
Introduction to theories: the meaning(s) of ‘theory’, what theory is not, theory classifications, what constitutes a theoretical contribution, and levels of theorization. An overview of popular theories adopted in qualitative accounting and management research (e.g. practice theory, actor-network theory, impression management, institutional sociology, institutional work, governmentality).
Class 4 (6 h)
Theories (2/2)
Theoretically framing a qualitative accounting and management research paper (analysis of how empirical research can be theoretically framed and developed).
Class 5 (6 h)
Case study approach (when why and how a case study. One or multiple cases?); Doing grounded theory method (GTM), and Gioia methodology.
Class 6 (6 h)
Data collection and analysis in qualitative research: interviews, focus groups, qualitative coding and content analysis.
Class 7 (6 h)
Critical discourse analysis, action research, participant observation and ethnography.
Class 8 (6 h)
Abductive reasoning approach and theory elaboration with case studies and interviews.

Didactic methods

The objective of this course is to develop first academic skills regarding the understanding of paradigms, theories, and methods that inform and are used in qualitative accounting and management research.

Learning assessment procedures

1. Class participation, contribution and discussion (40%)
2. Research Paper on a key topic discussed in class (60%)

Assessment

Grading Scale:
A. Excellent
B. Very good
C. Good
D. Sufficient
E. Not sufficient
In-Class Procedures:
Open-discussion, presentations and critique.