Let’s Perform and Paint! The Role of Creative Mediums in Enhancing Management Research Representation

Abstract

The limited reach of management research results in missed opportunities to support the decision-making processes of business professionals and policy makers. To strengthen the impact of management research and overcome barriers posed by text-heavy representation, we advocate for the use of creative mediums (e.g., collage, film, poetry) to showcase the product of an inquiry, either alone or as a supplement to traditional reporting. We provide a rationale for how these mediums trigger interest, foster a multisensory experience, convey complex meaning, and spark contemporary, inclusive dialogues. Each of the four rationales is discussed by showing an example of previous use, and explaining how the respective barrier to research representation is overcome. We finally offer recommendations for how management researchers can employ creative mediums to enhance the fertility of their work.

From ‘Whodunit’ to ‘How’: Detective Stories and Auditability in Qualitative Business Ethics Research

“…Prior literature on reporting research has discussed various techniques for capturing the attention of readers, from the use of metaphors and stories (Richardson 2003) to creating collages, dancing, or enacting the research findings (Nair et al 2018). Despite the immense potential offered by these alternatives, the traditional 'hypothesis story' (research question-> methodology-> findings-> implications) still remains the most common format for presenting research (Ritchie et al 2013).…”

“…Narratives are the primary forms for understanding human experiences and actions (MacIntyre 1996;Nair et al 2018). People comprehend their own lives as well as the actions of others in terms of the stories they read, tell and hear.…”

“…Thus, if the multifaceted and multicultural dimensions of contemporary business ethics scenarios are not clearly communicated, interested readers might easily misconstrue the results of business ethics studies. This would obviously affect the relevance of these studies for ethical managerial practice (Eisenhardt 1989;Lawrence and Tar 2013;Nair et al 2018;Orlikowski 1993). There is a gatekeeping role here for journals like Journal of Business Ethics in ensuring that investigations into different business systems clearly and honestly articulate starting points, methods, and findings.…”

‘The play’s the thing’: A creative collaboration to investigate lived experiences in an urban community garden

“…Nair et al (2018) argue that in addition to playing a role in research methodology, creative media can be valuable in showcasing the products of inquiry and increasing their reach. This was our primary driver for developing a performance piece.…”

“…I wish to generate interest and action around community gardens and green care, so that benefits can be realised by more people. In this endeavour, arts-based methods have added value over more traditional methods, both in fostering the emergence of ‘memories with momentum’ (Sutherland, 2013) and in communicating widely with diverse audiences (Nair et al, 2018).…”