Positionality and Reflexivity Practices in Economics and Management Research

Abstract

Positionality has often been presented along an outsider-insider researcher continuum, but its multi-dimensional nature has also been recognised. Positionality can also combine the perspectives of researchers and participants, identifying several personae that researchers can assume, namely: intruder, fellow, stranger, and guest. This study describes and illustrates positionality in economics and management research and the use of reflexivity to consider where the researcher stands relative to “the other”. The paper has two objectives. First, to investigate the application of positionality in published economics and management studies. This is achieved by systematically reviewing the literature. The second objective is to illustrate a research team’s reflexivity in considering positionality in their research. This is done by applying the personae framework as a thinking task. The systematic review of the literature concludes that the issue of positionality has received most attention in studies where research participants may be vulnerable, research topics are sensitive, or research techniques are more intrusive or personal, including those studies on diversity and inclusion. In addition, the majority of studies addressing positionality were qualitative or reflexive, with only a few quantitative studies identified. The need for greater reflexivity by all researchers throughout the research process, particularly regarding positionality, is discussed. Applying the personae to the relationship between the researcher and research participants, the case studies surfaced several important ideas about reflexivity and positionality, including the implications of the dynamic social construction of researcher identities, the value of reflexivity and thinking tasks in guiding the researcher's consideration of positionality, and the linkage of researcher epistemology to positionality and reflexivity. The study's contribution is to raise awareness of the need for greater reflexivity by all economics and management researchers, particularly regarding positionality. The paper concludes with practical implications for researchers, research educators and supervisors. Recommendations for further research call for further investigation of current research practises concerning positionality, including how this is reflected in research publications.