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(Im)perfect pictures: snaplogs in performativity research

Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore a visual method, snaplog (snapshots and logbooks) from a performativity theory approach.

Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses empirical examples from a three-year qualitative research project where snaplogs are used as an experimental method. The paper presents a reading of
performativity theory and discusses the performativity of using visual methods in the research process.

Findings – The paper concludes that visual methods have a special ability to activate the field in away that avoids preconceived ideas, and creates possibilities to observe the researched phenomenon and how it practices, resists and revoices the questions asked by the researchers.

Research limitations/implications – The paper explores and discusses the authors’ experiences and reflections on the positioning and scope of using snaplogs as a visual method. It does not report a systematic evaluation of its implications.

Practical implications – Snaplogs offer the researcher the possibility to activate and cooperate with the researched phenomenon.

Originality/value – The potential value of the paper is that it offers inspiration to organization researchers looking for innovative/performative research methods.

Original languageEnglish
JournalQualitative Research in Organizations and Management: An International Journal
Volume7
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)54-71
Number of pages18
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012

Keywords

  • Logs
  • Management
  • Non-representationalism
  • Organizational performance
  • Organizations
  • Performativity
  • Photographs
  • Qualitative research
  • Research methods
  • Snaplog
  • Visual research methods
  • Working environment
  • Written communications

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