Self reflexivity Sample Clauses

Self reflexivity. In this concept, the researcher ―knows himself‖, and in this sense is self reflexive to recognize an otherness of self as well as the self of others (Pillow, 2003). In this case study, self reflexivity refers to the fact that the researcher was employed for a period of ten years in one of the two focal organisations of the research, Greenpeace, thus filtering his experiences through the lens of organizational culture, experiences and being. Moreover, the researcher is currently employed in the other focal organisation, Médecins Sans Frontières. Thus, the way the researcher had approached the research questions, the data gathering process and the analysis and interpretation of data, is through the prism of his experience with the two organisations. This, of course influenced the ―objectivity‖ of the findings, but at the same time offered deeper knowledge in areas where a researcher with no direct involvement will have no or limited access to. The double identity (that of both observer and participant) of the researcher, far from being schizophrenic, yields impressive insights. Rather than attempting to strip from the prejudices and biases, the limitations and cultural ―embeddedness‖ are acknowledged before ―entering the field‖. Consequently, being self-conscious facilitates to capitalize on the effects of experiences, making better sense of what is researched and offering unique richness of data and depth of understanding. In other words, the fact that the researcher is changing what is written about the subject by bringing in own experiences, notions, goals, culture etc. into it is used as a tool for understanding and positioning findings in the specific context. As Pillow (2003, p. 185) states ―in our research, we have to continually question the capability of the subject to define her/his self or even the desire to do so. Reflexivity then always occurs out of an unequal power relationship and, in fact, the art of reflexivity may perpetuate a colonial relationship while at the same time attempting to mask this power over the subject‖. If this relationship is not recognized and addressed, then the product of the research is subject to scrutiny. But if exposed and used smartly, it offers valuable and innovative perspectives for social science. Throughout the research process, the researcher maintained constant contact with the two organizations and a personal relationship with key actors within them. This gave enabled the deeper probing into sensitive issue...