Survey Research and ethnographic research: An appraisal of two research methodologies

Authors

V Suchitra Mouly, Indian Institute of Science Bangalore

Document Type

Article

Abstract

This paper highlights the differences between survey research and ethnographic research, in terms of goals and perspectives, research design and method, nature of the relationship between researcher and the community studied, and the nature, presentation and use of findings. While spelling out the inherent strengths and limitations of each approach, the Paper argues that to study the life of a community “from the insider's point of view”, an ethnographic approach is more appropriate. Such studies are Particularly needed in investigations of modern organisational life, where, in the Indian context, survey research has been more dominant. This paper is based on doctoral research aimed at providing an ethnographic account of an R & D establishment in India. It seeks to understand, using an ethnographic perspective, the microculture that is assumed to underlie both the generation and interpretation of communicative behaviour in an R & D establishment.

Recommended Citation

Mouly, V Suchitra (1990) "Survey Research and ethnographic research: An appraisal of two research methodologies," IIMB Management Review: Vol. 5: Iss. 2, Article 7.
Available at: https://research.iimb.ac.in/imr/vol5/iss2/7

Publication Date

12-1-1990

First Page

31

Last Page

51