What boat did you get off? Facing discrimination in field research

Abstract

Based on the experience of researchers in a leading international business school, and in particular their field research projects, we show how research participants’ discriminatory practices lead to (i) the obstruction of identity work for particular researchers in particular contexts, and (ii) researcher teamwork to provide ‘shelter’ for excluded colleagues. We conclude that these patterns of engagement (i) suppress the expression of particular ethnic and gender identities, but in varied ways, (ii) potentially entrenching bias through expectations that lead to the absence of minorities in challenging contexts, and (iii) nevertheless builds an inclusive and diverse community among international researchers. We draw implications for identity work theory and practical implications for the role of business schools in challenging discrimination and for researchers in the field, from these insights.