Article Gold Open Access 2015

Participatory work-along as an apprentice-a qualitative research tool in studying organizations and work practices

Nordic Journal of Working Life Studies
Journal · Vol. 5 · Issue SpecialIssue3a · pp. 85-103
Abstract

Participatory work-along implies a method whereby the researcher learns through entering into a direct working relationship with people and performing work activities together with them. This method can provide a solid empirical basis for understanding practice as well as the opportunity to uncover practices that are taken for granted. The possibilities work-along in an apprenticeship role can offer to a researcher studying work organizations and work practices, as well as challenges related to such a methodological approach, are discussed in relation to fieldwork carried out within the public care system for elderly people in Norway and Sweden. © 2015 Roskilde University.

Keywords

Author Keywords

Learning by doing work practices Fieldwork Apprentice role Observant participation Participant observation Practice approach Work organizations Work-along

Index Keywords

Author Affiliations
Faculty of Social Sciences, Universitetet i Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
Funding & Acknowledgements
No funding information
References 10 References
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2 Organizational Ethnography Studying the Complexities of Everyday Life, (2009)
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4 Theory in Practice Increasing Professional Effectiveness, (1974)
5 Barley, Stephen R., Bringing Work Back In, Organization Science, 12, 1, pp. 76-95, (2001)
6 Role of the Entrepreneur in Social Change in Northern Norway, (1963)
7 Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences, (2001)
8 Research Methods in Anthropology Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches, (2006)
9 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology, (1968)
10 Organization Science, (1991)
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