A study note on the researcher's positionality in MBA dissertation project work: for MBA students (information from perplexity.ai)
My question 1: "What is researcher's positionality with reference to the MBA dissertation project work?"
The reply: "Researcher positionality acknowledges how a researcher's identity, worldview, and experiences can influence the research process and findings357. It is especially relevant in qualitative research, where the researcher's interpretations and understandings are central to the study7.
Key aspects of researcher positionality in the context of an MBA dissertation project:
Definition: Positionality involves describing your stance in relation to the research topic, participants, and the research design itself2.
Influence: A researcher’s positionality shapes their interpretations, understandings, and beliefs about their own research and the research of others57.
Importance of Reflexivity: Reflexivity is key to writing a positionality statement, as it allows researchers to understand how their background and experiences affect the research design and process7.
Components of a Positionality Statement: A strong positionality statement should include a description of the researcher’s lenses (philosophical, personal, and theoretical beliefs), potential influences on the research (age, political beliefs, social class, race, ethnicity, gender, religious beliefs, previous career), the researcher’s chosen position about the participants (insider or outsider), the research project context, and an explanation of how these factors might influence the research process1.
Insider vs. Outsider: Researchers can be "insiders" if they are part of the community they are studying, or "outsiders" if they are not2. An insider might have easier access to participants and more genuine data, but their prior knowledge could also introduce bias2.
Reflexivity and Ethics: Engaging in reflexivity encourages researchers to recognize their own influence on the field and promotes ethical research4.
Reducing Bias: Reflecting on and disclosing positionality can reduce biases, though it doesn’t eliminate them3.
Clarity and Credibility: Positionality gives the research a background of where the researcher stands in relation to other factors, giving the study clarity and credibility6.
To create a positionality statement for your MBA dissertation, consider the following questions5:
Who are you?
What are your beliefs about this topic?
What is your connection to your participants?
What do you think you will find in this study?
What are your hopes for this study?"
My question 2: "Please provide an illustrative example of what to on the researcher's positionality in each the chapters of: Chapter 1: Introduction, Chapter 2: Literature Review and Chapter 3: Research Methodology with regard to the MBA dissertation report writing."
The reply: "Here is an illustrative example of how a researcher’s positionality can be articulated in each chapter of an MBA dissertation report, based on the guidance and insights from the search results:
Chapter 1: Introduction
In the introduction, the researcher’s positionality statement typically outlines their background, personal and professional experiences, and how these shape their interest and perspective on the research topic.
Example:
"As an MBA graduate with five years of experience in corporate finance, I bring a practical understanding of financial decision-making processes within multinational companies. My prior role as a financial analyst in a technology firm has influenced my interest in exploring how digital transformation impacts financial strategies. Being from a multicultural background and having worked in diverse organizational settings, I am aware that my interpretations may be shaped by these experiences. This positionality allows me to approach the research with both insider insights into corporate finance and an outsider’s critical perspective on emerging digital trends."
(This aligns with the idea that the introduction should explain the researcher’s background and how it informs their research focus1.)
Chapter 2: Literature Review
In the literature review, positionality can be reflected through the researcher’s critical engagement with existing studies, acknowledging how their perspective influences the selection and interpretation of literature.
Example:
"My review of the literature is influenced by my professional experience in finance and strategic management, which guides my focus on studies addressing the intersection of technology and financial performance. I recognize that my emphasis on quantitative financial outcomes may overlook qualitative aspects such as organizational culture, which I aim to address in later chapters. This positional stance helps me critically evaluate the literature through a lens shaped by practical business challenges and strategic priorities."
(This reflects the need to acknowledge how one’s beliefs and experiences influence interpretation of the literature and the research lens3.)
Chapter 3: Research Methodology
In the methodology chapter, the researcher explicitly discusses how their positionality affects the research design, data collection, and analysis, including their relationship with participants and potential biases.
Example:
"My positionality as a former finance professional positions me as a partial insider in this study of corporate digital transformation. This insider status facilitates access to participants and enhances understanding of technical jargon and organizational processes. However, I remain reflexive about the risk of confirmation bias, given my prior beliefs about digital innovation’s benefits. To mitigate this, I employ triangulation and maintain reflective field notes to critically assess how my perspectives influence data interpretation. Additionally, my multicultural background positions me as an outsider to some organizational cultures studied, which I acknowledge may affect participant interactions and data richness."
(This example incorporates the insider/outsider dynamic, reflexivity, and how positionality influences research choices and interactions235.)
These examples illustrate how positionality can be integrated progressively throughout an MBA dissertation, helping to clarify the researcher’s stance, enhance transparency, and strengthen the credibility of the research."
My question 3: "I notice that some academic articles do not discuss the researcher's positionality. What are the pros and cons of discussing the researcher's positionality in an MBA dissertation report writing?"
The reply: "Discussing the researcher’s positionality in an MBA dissertation report has both advantages and disadvantages. Below is a balanced summary of the pros and cons based on the provided search results:
Pros of Discussing Researcher’s Positionality
Transparency and Contextualization: Positionality statements provide transparency about the researcher’s background, worldview, and potential motivations, helping readers understand how these factors might influence the research process and findings23. This contextualization enhances the credibility and trustworthiness of the study.
Reflexivity and Ethical Awareness: Including positionality encourages reflexivity—ongoing critical self-examination of one’s biases, beliefs, and assumptions—which promotes ethical research practices and helps mitigate unintentional biases13.
Validity and Usefulness: By acknowledging their positionality, researchers enhance the validity of their interpretations and allow others to better assess the applicability and transferability of the findings to other contexts2.
Equity and Inclusiveness: Positionality statements can address power dynamics and promote equity by recognizing marginalized perspectives and challenging dominant Eurocentric or mainstream views2.
Researcher-Participant Relationship: Clarifying insider or outsider status helps explain access to participants, data richness, and potential biases, which is valuable in qualitative research1.
Cons of Discussing Researcher’s Positionality
Vulnerability and Safety Risks: For some researchers, especially those from marginalized groups, disclosing positionality can create vulnerability or safety concerns by “outing” personal identities or exposing them to bias or discrimination4.
Potential for Tokenism or “Biaswashing”: Some critics argue that positionality statements may be superficially included to satisfy reviewers or appear reflexive without meaningful engagement, which can undermine their purpose5.
Power Imbalances: The requirement to disclose positionality can place an unfair burden on less powerful researchers, while those in positions of privilege may not be equally scrutinized4.
Confusion or Misinterpretation: Positionality statements may be misunderstood as purely biographical disclosures rather than critical reflections on epistemological and methodological stances, leading to inconsistent or shallow treatment15.
Not Always Relevant: In some research traditions or quantitative studies, positionality may be less emphasized or considered less relevant, so including it might not add value or could distract from the main focus2.
Summary
Including a positionality statement in an MBA dissertation can significantly enhance transparency, reflexivity, and ethical rigor, especially in qualitative or mixed-methods research. However, it requires careful, thoughtful reflection to avoid superficiality, and researchers must weigh potential risks related to vulnerability and power dynamics. Ultimately, the decision to include positionality should align with the research paradigm, methodology, and ethical considerations of the study.
A collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.
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