20210: From Fieldwork to Framework: Interactive 7-Stage Workshop for Mastering Qualitative Research in MSR

This Professional Development Workshop (PDW) aims to equip scholars with the conceptual and practical tools to conduct rigorous qualitative research in Management, Spirituality, and Religion (MSR). Using the case of Refugee Buddhist Entrepreneurs navigating identity reconstruction after forced displacement, the PDW will delve into the 7-stage model of the qualitative research process. Participants will learn how to frame compelling research questions, select representative samples, prepare for fieldwork, and align ontological and epistemological stances with the phenomenon under investigation. We will demonstrate data collection and iterative analysis processes, emphasizing how field revisits refine insights. The workshop will also provide actionable strategies for theorizing and positioning contributions in qualitative manuscripts. This PDW is highly interactive, blending theoretical discussions, case demonstrations, and hands-on exercises. Special attention will be given to addressing rigor, reliability, and validity concerns unique to qualitative methods. By the end of the session, participants will be equipped to craft impactful qualitative studies and navigate the submission process for high-quality journals. The organizing team includes scholars at various career stages, including MSR scholars, early-career researchers (ECRs), first-time attendees, and senior methods experts, ensuring broad participation and a diversity of perspectives. The workshop addresses challenges encountered throughout the research process, from writing to publishing, making it an inclusive and comprehensive learning experience.