Observation and Shadowing: Two Methods to Research Values and Values Work in Organisations and Leadership

Abstract

AbstractThe aim of this chapter is to provide insights into how participant observation and shadowing, which are relevant methods for studying practices, can be used for collecting data in studies on values work, which refers to examining values in action. Our review of important observational studies in the domain of organisation and leadership research shows how the growing interest in practice has paved way for such methods. We characterise and compare each method and illustrate with examples how such methodological studies can be undertaken. With the help of these examples and considerations, we discuss the contributions and implications of using participant observation and shadowing when researching values. Importantly, these methods offer insights into the core dimensions of values practices by means of granulated in situ and in vivo data.