Social constructivism as an inquiry paradigm: understanding performance measurement practice in central government

Abdullah, Nur Anisah (2011) Social constructivism as an inquiry paradigm: understanding performance measurement practice in central government. In: 6th International Qualitative Research Convention 2011, 14-16 November 2011, Marriott Putrajaya, Malaysia.

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Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the subscription to social constructivism as an inquiry paradigm to explore performance measurement issues faced by government agencies and public bodies with a view towards improvement. The paper presents the use of phenomenology to understand performance measurement practice in central government using in-depth interviews with twenty-two individuals. The participants were asked two broad questions: What worked well in terms of performance measurement with this organisation? What did not work very well? Their answers led to more specific questions providing rich data on their experiences generating an understanding of the common practice of performance measurement. The phenomenology was a useful approach in teasing out the ‘common sense of performance measurement’ from respondents of which otherwise taken for granted. The success of phenomenology and in-depth interviews rests heavily on researcher’s interviewing skills in drawing the details from interviewees, when and how to probe into certain aspects; and their data analysis ability in identifying, interpreting, clustering and exploring the links and relationship between emerging themes. The test would be: Have we enough data to explain the phenomenon? Can we explain the relationships between emerging themes? Have we enough evidence in constructing a convincing argument? The paper summarises the step-by-step approach to data analysis procedure in guiding phenomenology research and ends with lessons learned.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Full Paper)
Additional Information:	3489/7354
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Social constructivism, phenomenology, in-depth interviews, qualitative research, performance measurement, central government
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences > Department of Business Administration
Depositing User:	Dr Nur Anisah Abdullah
Date Deposited:	21 Nov 2011 10:18
Last Modified:	21 Nov 2011 19:33
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/7354

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