Abstract:
Literature in the organisational science and strategic management domains attribute
value in the utilisation and application of analogies, metaphors and principles from
the complexity science domain. However, little work has been carried out to explore
how individuals do this. The aim of this research was therefore to explore the ways in
which individuals made sense of their working lives by means of complexity science,
as evidenced in work-focussed diaries.
In order to meet this aim, a path of inductive, qualitative research was undertaken, of
an exploratory and descriptive nature. The qualitative research tradition taken into
consideration was that associated with management research. The research was
loosely inspired by the survey approach and utilised commonly associated data
collection methods. A hybrid interview style was adopted, combining well-known
techniques that support a more conversational approach. Diaries were utilised in an
open-ended format and an interactive style of on going research. Thirteen individuals
volunteered to write weekly, work-focussed diaries, with the intention of continuing
for one year: a goal which some met, but some did not. The general approach was
inspired by a subjectivist, postmodern perspective, where it was seen as important to
collect data from 'multiple voices', where relativist findings were generated from that
data.
As a result of this study, the novelty presented by this research includes: the
development of an interactive and open-ended, personal, journal-like diary method,
facilitating longer term research in conversations with research participants,
producing thickly descriptive and narrative data; a complexity science learning model
representing the development of individual interest, learning and potential areas of
application; and, a replicable approach incorporating specific methods of interaction
with individual learners and the knowledge around such an intervention.
