For Peirce and James, a key application of the Maxim was clarifying the concept of truth. In addition, part of both projects’ objectives is to broadcast the work of smaller NGOs to the development sector. Furthermore, we agree with Swanson and Holton (2005) that ‘Enlarging the range of available (and appropriate) methods can only generate better and more complete pictures of phenomena’ (p. 231). This contrasts with other organizational research, which may be more static and theory-driven. She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in sociology and development studies. The guiding pragmatist principles are also informing the researchers’ ongoing dissemination strategy and driving an enthusiasm for utilization of the study’s findings. As discussed below, pragmatism contributes to a dynamic paradigm that corresponds with the complex and fluctuating context in which organizations operate. In both project examples, the adoption of a pragmatist approach was closely intertwined with establishing research objectives. By emphasizing the principle of actionable knowledge right through the research process, we were able to achieve research outcomes that were relevant, transferrable and contributed to both the theory and practice of NGO performance management and evaluation. In addition, as both researchers are practitioners within the NGO sector, we were keenly aware of NGOs’ limited resources and were concerned about our use of NGOs’ time. This iterative prioritization process was important for respondents but also important for enhancing the relevance and potential transferability of the research findings, an important aspect of pragmatism (Kelly, 2019c; Morgan, 2007). The pragmatic principles adopted encouraged her to be multi-disciplinary to provide NGOs with knowledge from other disciplines to augment their practice. Login failed. (1922 / 2007). Nonetheless one common starting point is the classic pragmatic maxim put forward by Peirce in 1878: Consider what effects, which might conceivably have practical bearings, we conceive the object of our conception to have. By building in scope to explore the diverse experiences of different individuals at the level of the research questions, we were able to identify more facets of the research problem than if these were solely framed around the theoretical literature, formal NGO documentation or our existing understanding of NGO processes. The maxim might also be read as offering a utilitarian calculation regarding the impact of our action - something which Dewey in particular was keen to counter (Dewey, 1926 /1986, 28). A pragmatist approach, with its epistemological focus on the inquiry process and practicality, was found to be more useful than research philosophies that lay a sole emphasis on abstraction or philosophical theory-generation. For instance, initial inquiry into programme evaluation (Project example 1) revealed distinctions between how head office and field office staff enact evaluation and the consequences of these actions. As with all isms the classic texts of pragmatism, say, Peirce (1878); James (1904); Dewey ([1931] 1982) are open to competing interpretations and recent contributions, notably those from Rorty (1982; 2000), have shifted Pragmatism into a more contemporary anti-positivism. It is disliked by those who like certainty (for example positivists and Leninists) and it is too asociological to be embraced by social theorist. ‘Knowing’ in this sense, has the potential to transform practice (Biesta, 2010). Pragmatism was instrumental in directing us towards making appropriate methodological choices by unpacking different aspects of the research problem at the design stage. (1931 / 1982). ORCID iDLeanne M Kelly https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3360-5212. As noted by Farjoun et al. In both research projects, there was a need for methods that made room for plurality and the interests and agendas of diverse respondents in the research process; a pragmatic approach, with its emphasis on actionable knowledge, enabled us to achieve this. This ‘maxim’ has been open to varying interpretation, not least by Peirce himself. We have used auto-narrative to unpack how pragmatism was enacted at each stage of the research to add clarity to the often-abstract discourse surrounding paradigms and epistemology. However the logical stance of a Pragmatic inquiry is to be action oriented – there is close link between pragmatism and action research for example (Hammond, 2015). Pragmatism, particularly questions around the usefulness of data from the perspective of diverse respondents, and the fact that respondents were actively involved in the inquiry process, guided an increased depth of analysis and contributed to the validity of findings. Both researchers have spent many years working in social programmes and have built extensive networks. Pragmatism and Educational Research. Pragmatism, particularly questions around the usefulness of data from the perspective of diverse respondents, and the fact that respondents were actively involved in the inquiry process, guided an … Dewey, J. This is strengthened through presentation and analysis of three methodological principles of pragmatism, used as a framework to detail the project examples. This has reverberations for the relevance and utility of our research findings, not only for NGOs but also for the wider organizational research discourse. For Project example 2, this meant having a balance of NGO leaders and operating staff respondents as this research on decision-making processes required that perspectives of decision-makers were juxtaposed and interrogated by implementing staff – an example of the macro-micro linkages that pragmatism helps establish. This necessitates dissemination to a wider audience through journal articles, blogs and conference presentations which advocate for smaller NGOs and highlight the need for appropriate evaluative processes that correspond with their organizational priorities and operational constraints (e.g. As indicated above, the choice of pragmatism as an overarching philosophical orientation was strongly influenced by our desire to contribute useful and actionable knowledge anchored in respondent experience and, hence, of practical relevance to the case study organizations. Her current PhD research on performance measurement and decision-making in NGOs is the other project example used in this article. This experiential process helps researchers with combining macro- and micro-level perspectives within an organization and encourages a more inclusive research process as different stakeholders are able to situate themselves and their actions within a larger context.

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