Steve Graham‐Hill and Andrew J. Grimes
“Praxis” is the stated goal of Radical Humanist scholarship. But, this has been a goal without realization, and without method. To our knowledge there is no record of the…
Abstract
“Praxis” is the stated goal of Radical Humanist scholarship. But, this has been a goal without realization, and without method. To our knowledge there is no record of the realization of this goal in a management context. This paper reports our effort to develop a method to achieve praxis – “dramatism” as suggested by the work of Kenneth Burke, our “field test” of dramatism in a business setting, and the extent of our “success.” Our partial success points to refinements in the method, as it applies to Critical Theory agenda. We conclude by re‐examining our understanding of praxis, questioning our purposes, and discussing the power of the method to affect the researchers.
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Steve Silver and Sam Hill
It is becoming more and more apparent that the war on terror will not be won on the battlefield. This war—like the Cold War—is primarily a battle of ideas. Success depends on…
Abstract
It is becoming more and more apparent that the war on terror will not be won on the battlefield. This war—like the Cold War—is primarily a battle of ideas. Success depends on building support in the global community for a positive vision of international relations that is a credible alternative to that promoted by the terrorists.
On April 2, 1987, IBM unveiled a series of long‐awaited new hardware and software products. The new computer line, dubbed the Personal Systems 30, 50, 60, and 80, seems destined…
Abstract
On April 2, 1987, IBM unveiled a series of long‐awaited new hardware and software products. The new computer line, dubbed the Personal Systems 30, 50, 60, and 80, seems destined to replace the XT and AT models that are the mainstay of the firm's current personal computer offerings. The numerous changes in hardware and software, while representing improvements on previous IBM technology, will require users purchasing additional computers to make difficult choices as to which of the two IBM architectures to adopt.
Clare Butler, Jocelyn Finniear, Anne Marie Doherty and Steve Hill
– The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential of incorporating visual methods in the study of identity and identity work.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential of incorporating visual methods in the study of identity and identity work.
Design/methodology/approach
Scholars have proposed a range of approaches to the study of identity. However, studies have typically relied on interviews or surveys with little exploration of the dynamic narrating of self-in-situ inherent to identity and identity work. The paper reviews the aforementioned methods, builds on the power of visual approaches, and proposes a method involving figurative character image-elicitation (FCI). FCI uses personal, contextual cartoon-style images to mobilize and encourage the narration of identity. The paper details the development of the approach, drawing on a pilot study, and reports its use in an exploratory study of employee identity.
Findings
The results suggest that the use of FCI provides a situated focus for the narration of identity with the signifying – self-insitu – nature of the images providing room for participants to position themselves as subject. These features are also suggested to provide a safe distance for a more in-depth and expressive discussion which transcends impression management.
Originality/value
The use of FCI has highlighted the power of visual methods in the exploration of identity and identity work. The approach is personally engaging and contextually adaptable providing methodological opportunities for a range of organizational and societal studies.