We often take conventional metaphors for doing research for granted: ideas around building theory, design, codification of data, construction of reality etc. The seminar addresses  limitations of dominant metaphors (cognitive images) and points at a range of alternatives for understanding various parts of the research process, from the research collective, researcher identities, literature review, use of theory to empirical work, analysis and writing. Considering alternatives may make research more imaginative and enjoying to do as well as read.

About the seminar

The seminar is based on the recently published book: Alvesson-Sandberg: Re-imagining the research process. Conventional and alternative metaphors. Sage.

Professor Mats Alvesson, University of Bath and Lund University, is one of the world’s leading organization sociologists. He has written extensively on power, organizations and societies in all of the leading organization and management journals and is the author of a large number of books, many of which are standard references. Professor Alvesson is also a proficient writer on research methods and the research process, as well as an active voice in the public debate, most recently on the increasing standardization and bureaucratization of everyday life.