A note about insider case study research information source: for MBA students

A note about insider case study research information source: for MBA students (information from perplexity.ai)

My question: "On doing my MBA dissertation project which is an insider case study, I have a query on how to name the following information sources in my dissertation report:

1. My personal observation, as a middle manager in a retail firm office, on staff morale.

2. My personal evaluation opinion based on year long working experience in this retail firm.

3. My knowledge gained from reading the retail firm's human resource department's report..

I would also like to know the research ethics issues, including any requirement to gain the gatekeeper's informed consent."

The reply: "For your MBA dissertation insider case study, the naming of these information sources can be framed as follows:

1. Personal observation on staff morale can be called "insider observational data" or "personal observational insights" as it stems from your direct experience and witnessing in the retail firm office.

2. Your personal evaluation opinion based on a year-long work experience would be termed "insider experiential knowledge" or "reflexive evaluation" because it is a subjective interpretation grounded in lived experience within the firm.

3. Knowledge gained from reading the retail firm's human resource reports is "secondary documentary data" or "organizational document analysis," since this comes from formal company reports rather than direct participation.

Regarding research ethics, key issues involve respecting confidentiality, anonymity, and avoiding harm to participants or the organization. You typically must obtain informed consent from the "gatekeeper"—the person or authority controlling access to the organization (e.g., HR manager or department head). Gatekeeper consent ensures you have permission to conduct research within the firm and access its members and documents. It also protects organizational autonomy and participant privacy.

In summary:

• Name personal observations and opinions as insider observational data and reflexive evaluation respectively.

• Name firm reports as secondary documentary data or organizational document analysis.

• Obtain informed gatekeeper consent for organizational access and data collection to meet ethical research standards.

These practices help maintain transparency and ethical rigor in your insider case study dissertation."

A collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.