Three principles of pragmatism for research on organizational processes

Abstract

This article explicates pragmatism as a relevant and useful paradigm for qualitative research on organizational processes. The article focuses on three core methodological principles that underlie a pragmatic approach to inquiry: (1) an emphasis on actionable knowledge, (2) recognition of the interconnectedness between experience, knowing and acting and (3) inquiry as an experiential process. The authors’ doctoral projects on non-government organizations are used as examples to examine how the application of these principles strengthen each stage of the research process from project design and data collection to data analysis, conclusions and dissemination. This investigation suggests that pragmatism, which provides a guiding epistemological framework anchored in the inquiry process and research practicality, is a worthy paradigm for researching organizational processes. Pragmatism’s focus on the production of actionable knowledge is of particular benefit to research with non-government organizations, ensuring that research is contextually relevant as well as informed by theory.