Conduct of empirical work
This section is focused on the conduct of empirical
work for interpretive case studies, and three sets of
issues have been selected for discussion, involving the
role of the researcher, interviewing techniques, and
reporting methods. This selection reflects the importance
of these issues to the interpretive IS researcher.
Mumford (1985) provides some useful advice to the IS
researcher on other empirical issues such as the choice
of research topic, collaboration with in-company personnel,
and confidentiality.
Role of the researcher
Interpretive researchers are attempting the difficult
task of accessing other people's interpretations, filtering
them through their own conceptual apparatus, and
feeding a version of events back to others, including in
some cases both their interviewees and other audiences.