Photography and voice in critical qualitative management research

Bibliographic Data

ID23344232
AuthorsSamantha Warren (University of Portsmouth, corresponding author)
Year2005
Volume18
Issue6
Pages861-882
Publication date2005-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAccounting Auditing & Accountability Journal (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0951-3574 • E-ISSN: 1368-0668
PublisherEmerald (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1108/09513570510627748
OpenAlexW2003714539
LanguageEN
Citations received69
References cited48

Purpose The main objective of this paper is to discuss how photography might help give research participants a louder voice in (qualitative) critical accounting and management research, enabling their multiple voices to be better represented/performed through the technique of “native image making”. A secondary aim is to familiarise the reader with key developments and debates in the field of “visual research” more generally. Design/methodology/approach A brief overview of the field is offered, and, drawing on examples from the author's visual research practice, how the concept of “photo‐voice” might increase participants' involvement in research in two ways is discussed. Findings First, it is argued that accessibility of the method, control of the research agenda and ownership of the images give a louder voice in the process of research. Second, and following Barthes, it is contended that through their iconic and quasi‐representational nature, photographic images can communicate participants' views of their worlds with more primacy than language alone, raising their voices in the dissemination of research. Practical implications The paper has especial implications for researchers engaged in critical studies of accounting and management seeking to give voice to marginal groups of people traditionally disregarded by mainstream organization/management studies. Originality/value The paper contributes to the development of a novel qualitative methodology for accounting and management research.

Art · Field (mathematics) · Mainstream · Originality · Photography · Political science · Process (computing) · Public relations · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Value (mathematics) · Visual arts · Visual research · Computer Science · Management and Organizational Studies · Participatory Visual Research Methods · Psychology · Visual Culture and Art Theory

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