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2025 AOM Annual Meeting

RM

OMT

11571: Demystifying Ethnography: Observations and Field Note Writing

Sunday, July 27, 2025
11:00 - 13:30 CEST (GMT+2)
Location: Bella Center: Hall A- A1-m3
Session Type: PDW (workshop)
Orientation: International,Research
Shareable link: https://cdmcd.co/xKAp4R
Ethnography is a powerful research method, valued for its ability to reveal complex social dynamics and tacit behaviors in organizations. Yet, much of what is labeled ethnographic research today disproportionately relies on interviews, overlooking the richness that direct observations provide. Recognizing this methodological gap, we propose a hands-on professional development workshop (PDW) to build scholars’ skills in ethnographic observation and field note writing. Guided by the organizers and a panel of renowned qualitative scholars, participants in this PDW will immerse themselves in a public space, observing and documenting the social world around them. Participants will practice translating their observations to field notes and leave our workshop with the practical tools and confidence necessary to implement observation in their ongoing and future research. This PDW supports the Research Methods Division’s mission to advance and disseminate techniques for collecting qualitative data and addresses the growing demand for observational skills in management research.

Participant eligibility: We will prioritize submissions by early-stage qualitative researchers with limited experience conducting observations and writing field notes. Registration is limited to 50 participants. Given the experiential nature of the workshop, we expect participants to commit to the entire 3-hour session. Apply here: https://forms.gle/JqLjV4gPEWXCusf98