Thoughts on the Position of a Worker-Researcher:

The dual role of a Worker-Researcher comes with simultaneous advantages and disadvantages. This is an inevitable consequence of adopting two opposing positions. However, provided the disadvantages are recognised and managed well enough, the benefits of such a powerful combination of roles can be very rewarding.

The immediate advantage that a Worker-Researcher, as opposed to an outside researcher, has is a previously acquired knowledge of their organisation. This allows easier access to interviewees and to company data, as the Worker-Researcher can use contacts that have already been established. Another important advantage is that a Worker-Researcher is often more qualified than an outside researcher to identify an area that requires improvement. A Worker-Researcher has first-hand experience of the day to day running of their company, so is familiar with the areas that run efficiently, and with those that are more problematic, or cause unrest amongst fellow employees.

However, the fresh view of an outsider can bring many advantages too. They may not be considered qualified by the organisation to waltz in and suggest possible alterations, but it is easier for an outside researcher to make objective observations, and to therefore carry out neutral research with reliable results. Without any personal attachments to the organisation, the outside researcher is more likely to analyse its structure in a straightforward manner, without any preconceptions or bias.

‘Preconceptions’ and ‘bias’ are two words which highlight the main disadvantages of adopting a Worker-Researcher position. In order to deliver accurate results, research needs to be carried out in as neutral and fair a way as possible. When one researches an area of an organisation with which they are very familiar, one is prone to anticipate the outcome of the investigation. This can affect the way in which information is collected, with, for example, the researcher devising surveys that lead the participant towards particular answers. This does not necessarily mean the researcher has intentionally created a bias survey, but subconscious expectations of its results can influence the composition of a survey. Once the information has been collected, a Worker-Researcher’s preconceptions are also likely to affect its interpretation. One must be especially cautious when the research is of a qualitative nature, as the results are not always clear cut and can require some interpretation by the researcher.

I do, however, feel that there is one overriding advantage to research within an organisation being conducted by a Worker-Researcher. In many cases, research is carried out with a view to discovering improvements that could be made to existing practice. If an investigation ascertains a change that an organisation would benefit from, it is far more likely that the change will be trialled –and if necessary maintained- should the researcher suggesting it be continually present within the organisation.