Reflecting on Reflexivity : a complexity inspired approach to research

Abstract

For the professional practitioner, reflexive approaches can be valuable in developing professional understanding and improving professional practice. When allied with complexity inspired research, in which people and the interactions between them are placed at the centre of the research focus, it provides rich insights into the understanding of organizational and professional life. This paper draws on experiences of professional practitioners in management who are engaged in programmes of research. It features the complexity inspired auto-ethnographic reflexive research methodology with which students have been working and the academic and practical challenges posed by research of this nature.