Using Arts-based Research Methods: Creative Approaches for Researching Business, Organisation and Humanities

This book showcases a selection of arts-based research methods used in the empirical study of business, organisation and the humanities. Each chapter presents a discursive analysis and a detailed how-to guide for a range of methods including poetry, drawing, photography and social media, film, food, knitting, letter writing and dance. Consideration is given to a variety of steps in the research process, from research design and data collection to analysis and publication. Using Arts-based Research Methods is a unique resource for experienced researchers and students looking to broaden their palette of qualitative research methods.

About the Author

Jenna Ward is Associate Professor of Work, Organisation and Emotion at the School of Business, University of Leicester, UK. Jenna’s research focuses on exploring emotionality within organisations, organising and managing. Prioritising marginalised voices, Jenna’s areas of interest include: emotional labour, dirty work,  visual and arts-based methods, creative industries, death work and the management and organisation of voluntary work and volunteers. Jenna's research has included working with the Department of Health, the National Trust, the City of London and the NHS. Jenna is Director of the Art of Management and Organization.

Harriet Shortt is Associate Professor of Organisation Studies at Bristol Business School, at the University of the West of England, Bristol, UK. Harriet’s research focuses on organisational space, artefacts, the materiality of work, and visual methodologies. Her research has been published in leading journals including Human Relations, Organizational Research Methods, and Management Learning. Harriet is a founding member of the ESRC funded International Network for Visual Studies in Organization, ‘inVisio.’ Harriet has led research projects in both public and private sector organisations, such as the Environment Agency, the NHS, Stride Treglown Architects, and ISG Construction.