Qualitative Research and Theory Development

Mats Alvesson is Professor of Organization Studies at the University of Bath, and also affiliated with Lund University, Stockholm School of Economics and Bayes Business School, City, University of London.

• The Use of Empirical Material for Theory DevelopmentThe Role of Constructions and Language in Empirical ResearchKey Methodological Principles for Detecting MysteriesA Methodology of Sorts for Theorizing from Empirical MaterialIllustrating the Development and Resolution of MysteriesFieldwork Techniques and Mystery CreationResearch Guided or Assisted by Mystery?

Mats Alvesson is masterful in showing us how to create new theories from grounded empirical materials. I highly recommend this book as a guide and reference on theory buildingAndrew H. Van de VenVernon H. Heath Professor of Organizational Innovation and Change, Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota Thank you Mats Alvesson for an altogether engaging, sophisticated, and inspiring account of the research process and its significance. With the emergence of a social constructionist view of science, questions concerning the function of research and theory have been paramount. In this highly readable volume, we are rewarded with a rich and practically useful resolution to these problems. This is no small undertaking, and I recommend the work with enthusiasm to both seasoned academics and beginning studentsProfessor Kenneth J. GergenSwarthmore College, US Concise, informative, and provocative... Alvesson and Kärreman have not suggested abandoning qualitative research methods; they have instead offered a helpful book for when our ideas and methods break down into mysteries seeking as yet untried ideas and methodsThe Qualitative Report As these issues are at the core of the research process, they should be of interest to all researchers regardless of their discipline or stage in their career...I welcome the invitation to explore the extent to which, as a researcher, I have a personal need to place ‘order and control’ on to the topic areas that I research. I also welcome the authors’ invitation to be more creative within the research processDr Nina BurrowesSocial Research Association News