Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the drama as a possible mode of presenting an empirical story from a performative perspective.
Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents an empirical case that was originally studied in order to develop an understanding of sustainable co-operation in the construction industry in a globalized context. Presenting the case in the form of a Greek tragedy, it is argued that the polyphony of voices in an empirical study is acknowledged.
Findings – The paper concludes that the drama has a special ability to give voice to multiple actors in an empirical study, as opposed to the traditional empirical narrative where one perspective is often given priority over other.
Research limitations/implications – This paper explores and discusses the potential in using the drama (the Greek tragedy) to tell an empirical story. It does not delve into other forms of empirical narratives.
Practical implications – The paper offers an example of how the drama can be used as a methodological tool in order to present an account of empirical material.
Originality/value – The paper contributes to the very limited discussion in qualitative research in organization- and management-studies on how empirical studies could be presented.
Keywords – performativity, performance, polyphony, drama, empirical account, construction industry
Paper type Research paper
2015.
PROS: the 7th International Symposium on Process Organization Studies, June 24-27, Kos