Using existential-phenomenology to study a work team

Abstract

The paper briefly reviews the philosophical bases for an empirical approach to social science that is particularly suited to groups research. I present an eclectic approach to Husserls phenomenology as modified by Heideggers phenomenology of human being and Merleau-Pontys emphasis on perception. I argue that their work provides an honest episutemological base for empirical research on groups. A method developed by the Duquesne school of phenomenological psychology is presented and applied in a field study of a work team providing a high tech service in the telecommunications industry. Written protocols supplied by group members and interview data are carefully described and then interpreted for their relevance to a research understanding of group process. The results emphasise the importance of task requirements, timing of group member entry and interactions with non-group members as important aspects of group process.

Citation

Stablein, R. (2002), "Using existential-phenomenology to study a work team", Sondak, H. (Ed.) Toward Phenomenology of Groups and Group Membership (Research on Managing Groups and Teams, Vol. 4), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 1-26. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1534-0856(02)04002-1