“I don’t know why I’m here”: from knot-working to not-knowing
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the idea of getting lost during field studies as a point of departure for reframing the initial research question.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper presents field notes and reflections to illustrate the process of tracing innovation in the field by means of a theoretical concept – “knot-working” as proposed by Engeström (2008). By paying attention to seemingly irrelevant empirical data and experiences of being lost, the author infuses another theoretical concept – “not-knowing” as proposed by Lather (2007).
Findings
By questioning research questions, it becomes possible to challenge conventional assumptions in the field under study as well as assumptions underlying existing theory. It is argued that good research questions evolve iteratively throughout a study and might be even more valuable than answers (Alvesson and Sandberg, 2013). The paper illustrates how not-knowing can serve as a methodological perspective from where ordinary held assumptions can be reconsidered, thus paving the way for novel research questions that can enhance established theory.
Originality/value
The paper questions the initial research question: “How is the elderly care sector affected by innovation imperatives,” and ends up posing the reverse question: How are innovation imperatives affected – or how could they be affected – by the notion of care.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author wishes to thank Mike Rowe and two reviewers for encouragement and constructive comments on an earlier version of the paper.
Citation
Wegener, C. (2014), "“I don’t know why I’m here”: from knot-working to not-knowing", Journal of Organizational Ethnography, Vol. 3 No. 2, pp. 246-258. https://doi.org/10.1108/JOE-07-2013-0016
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited