Bracketing: a phenomenological theory applied through transpersonal reflexivity
Journal of Organizational Change Management
ISSN: 0953-4814
Article publication date: 11 August 2020
Issue publication date: 16 September 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to improve our understanding of bracketing, one of the most central philosophical and theoretical constructs of phenomenology, as a theory of mind. Furthermore, we wanted to showcase how this theoretical construct can be implemented as a methodological tool.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study we have adopted an approach similar to a qualitative meta-synthesis, comparing the emergent patterns of two empirical projects, seeking synergies and contradictions and looking for additional insights from new emerging patterns.
Findings
On a philosophical level, we have found that bracketing, as a theoretical construct, is not about the achievement of objectivity; quite to the contrary, it embraces subjectivity and puts it centre-stage. On a theoretical level, we have achieved a better understanding of Husserl's phenomenology, as a theory of mind. On a methodological level, we have achieved a powerful way of supplementing and/or clarifying research findings, by using a theoretical construct as a methodological tool.
Originality/value
Our paper contributes to the phenomenology literature at a philosophical, theoretical and methodological level, by offering a better understanding and a novel implementation of one of the central theoretical constructs of phenomenology.
Keywords
Citation
Dörfler, V. and Stierand, M. (2021), "Bracketing: a phenomenological theory applied through transpersonal reflexivity", Journal of Organizational Change Management, Vol. 34 No. 4, pp. 778-793. https://doi.org/10.1108/JOCM-12-2019-0393
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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