Matthew Jones makes a great contribution to the study of organizations with his new book. Researching Organizations wrestles with very important yet all too often neglected issues in the practice of fieldwork methodology. The book is based on meticulous scholarship yet entertaining to read; I wish I’d had this book when I started my PhD studies!
It is worth noting the interdisciplinary nature of the book, which is reflected through the various examples and theories that Jones draws upon throughout the text, encompassing fields such as criminology and social anthropology...In sum, the text is well written, informative and accessible. It will likely be of use to researchers, both new to and with experience of this field, looking to develop a practice-based approach to organisational research.
The book contains a wealth of information which is targeted at graduate level researchers, and others who may wish to obtain a greater understanding of organizational research in practice...The practical nature of the book’s layout makes it a useful vade mecum for any researcher in the organisational field and the interdisciplinary nature of the text, drawing on, for example, such fields as criminology and social anthropology, provides a rich source of ideas.
This book does indeed shine a light and provides a compass for those ‘wandering in the dark’ of the practice of organizational fieldwork. As a practitioner, I found it a useful blend of underpinning theories, with a good array of practical tips and thought-provokers. It’s systematic, thorough and whilst primarily targeted at graduate-level researchers, it offers a lot to busy experienced practitioners in other disciplines for whom research is not their day job.
Great for those students who are undertaking primary research in organisational contexts, recommended to them and to library
This book is primarily aimed at students who are external to the organisation being studied and so deals at length with issues like entry and exit. By contrast, the majority of my students are researching organisations in which they themselves work. The sections on the design and conduct of research are still of interest and I would recommend the whole book to the few students who are not able to (or choose not to) research their own organisation.
I feel my students will love the way this book looks at research.
My course concerns organizational communication, so this book offers important background information but falls somewhat outside the scope of my teaching.
Alternative approach to researching organizations.
Shows the challenge and complexity of researching organisations and gives guidance on how to respond. A very useful resource to any researcher.
This text details how and what to do regarding researching organisations. Both academics and students will find it very helpful. I highly recommend it.
Highly recommended and will be used by colleagues and students alike, in orientating towards research projects addressing organisations and their processes. Some gaps - the lack of engagement with narratiove and sensemaking literature - are noticeable. But the essentials are there.
This text is useful for those wanting to undertake practical research on organisations. It includes a multitude of considerations pertinent to this field.
This is a very useful book for research students. A clear and well-detailed section is provided on the research process. There are some valuable practice-based insights.
Possibly somewhat detailed for the undergraduate level of research. The text does however offer some very good examples from which more capable students can begin to develop their own practice.
You can purchase or sample this product on our Sage College Publishing site:
Go To College Site
This title is also available on SAGE Research Methods, the ultimate digital methods library. If your library doesn’t have access, ask your librarian to start a trial.