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Qualitative 'Methods in Action' Day

When: —
Venue: Birkbeck Clore Management Centre

We are delighted to invite you to a Qualitative ‘Methods in Action’ day event, hosted by the Department of Organizational Psychology's Qualitative Research Group. The event will take place on Thursday 12 May and will run from 10am-4:30pm (exact times to be confirmed) at Birkbeck's Clore Management Centre. 

Abstract 

The day will feature a mix of presentations and panel discussions by academic staff, recent PhD graduates and doctoral students from the department. The theme is ‘Inclusive Research’, examining what this means and entails from different perspectives and within a variety of occupational and organizational contexts.

Our aims are (1) to explore the challenges and opportunities for inclusive qualitative research including as a result of the Covid pandemic and (2) to deliver an informal overview of some of the innovative or less traditional qualitative methods (reflecting a range of underpinning philosophies) currently used in the department. 

We are delighted to announce that the keynote address will be given by Dr Krystal Wilkinson, Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Management, and researcher in the Centre for Decent Work and Productivity at Manchester Metropolitan University.

The day will also feature talks by two of our recent PhD graduates:

The possibilities, privilege and pitfalls of inclusive research: Examining class in the UK museum sector by Dr Samantha Evans (Lecturer in HRM / Organisation Studies, School of Business and Management, Royal Holloway, University of London)

'Nothing about us, without us': The use of language in neurodiversity research by Dr Kirsty Lauder (Lecturer in Psychology, Department of Psychology & Counselling, University of Chichester)

There will also be posters of research projects recently completed by our Masters students.

The timetable for the day is designed to ensure plenty of opportunities to talk to staff and PhD students in the Department of Organizational Psychology about their work, to find out more about qualitative methods and what these can contribute to knowledge and understanding in organizational and management research.

We very much hope you can join us to hear and discuss the latest qualitative methodologies in Organizational Psychology.

Keynote Address

Dr Krystal Wilkinson: Inclusivity and creativity in researching complex fertility journeys and employment

Whilst there has been considerable academic interest in – as well as legislative protection and organisational support around – maternity and parenting at work, much less attention has been paid to those hoping to become parents; those navigating infertility, fertility treatment, and/or pregnancy loss; and those coming to terms with involuntary childlessness in the workplace.  This presentation is based on a two-year qualitative research study on the topic of ‘complex fertility journeys and employment’, funded by the Leverhulme Trust.  The research included 80 interviews with men and women with lived experience; 20 interviews with line managers and fertility counsellors; an online review; and a novel form of research dissemination called ethnodrama.  I discuss how we tried to ensure inclusivity at every stage of the project, from research design through to communicating our findings, and some of the lessons I have learnt along the way. 

Biography: Dr Krystal Wilkinson is a Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Management and researcher in the Centre for Decent Work and Productivity at Manchester Metropolitan University.  Her research focuses on the work-life interface, flexibility and wellbeing at work. Key topics are the experiences of solo-living employees, complex fertility journeys and perinatal mental health.

Event Disclaimer

*This is subject to any restrictions in place with regard to the Covid pandemic. If it is not possible to hold the event in person, then it will be moved online.

 

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