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Crossroads---The Virtues of Closet Qualitative Research

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  • Robert I. Sutton

    (Department of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305)

Abstract

This essay asserts that, although qualitative methods now enjoy wide legitimacy among organizational researchers, there are still times when it is best to conceal or downplay the role that qualitative data played in developing an author's ideas. I identify four circumstances where treating qualitative research as a closet rather than an open activity may help authors write papers that flow better, are more convincing, and are more readily accepted for publication. These circumstances are when weak qualitative data lead to good insights, when describing the qualitative research reduces the quality of the writing, when an outlet does not publish “empirical” papers, and when writing for an audience that remains biased against qualitative research. I illustrate these points primarily with my own closet qualitative research, but also draw on Cialdini's writings on the qualitative inspiration for his experimental research and discussions with colleagues about how they have used closet qualitative research.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert I. Sutton, 1997. "Crossroads---The Virtues of Closet Qualitative Research," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 8(1), pages 97-106, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ororsc:v:8:y:1997:i:1:p:97-106
    DOI: 10.1287/orsc.8.1.97
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    Cited by:

    1. Yash Raj Shrestha & Vivianna Fang He & Phanish Puranam & Georg von Krogh, 2021. "Algorithm Supported Induction for Building Theory: How Can We Use Prediction Models to Theorize?," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 32(3), pages 856-880, May.
    2. Taylor, Murray & Jack, R. & Madsen, T. & Alam, M.A., 2021. "The nature of service characteristics and their impact on internationalization: A multiple case study of born global firms," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 517-529.
    3. Michel Anteby, 2013. "PERSPECTIVE —Relaxing the Taboo on Telling Our Own Stories: Upholding Professional Distance and Personal Involvement," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 24(4), pages 1277-1290, August.
    4. Moritz T. Bruckner & Dennis M. Steininger & Jason Bennett Thatcher & Daniel J. Veit, 2023. "The effect of lockup and persuasion on online investment decisions: An experimental study in ICOs," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 33(1), pages 1-25, December.
    5. Jennifer A. Chatman & Francis J. Flynn, 2005. "Full-Cycle Micro-Organizational Behavior Research," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 16(4), pages 434-447, August.
    6. Rudolf R. Sinkovics & Eva A. Alfoldi, 2012. "Progressive Focusing and Trustworthiness in Qualitative Research," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 52(6), pages 817-845, December.

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