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methods
ACROSS FAMILIES/ Philosophy

Ontology

What is assumed to exist?

Ontology concerns what exists and the nature of the entities or processes being studied. A researcher might treat organisational culture as an independent structure, a locally negotiated reality, or both at different levels. Ontological claims differ from epistemological claims about knowledge and from the instruments used to collect data.

WHEN IT FITS

Use when defining what your central concepts refer to, especially where competing accounts of organisations, learning or behaviour would imply different evidence and explanations.

Strengths

  • Exposes assumptions hidden inside variables and interview questions
  • Helps align a research question with a defensible object of enquiry

Limitations

  • Abstract labels can obscure substantive disagreement
  • No instrument can settle every ontological dispute

Know the boundary

Ontology is not a research design and does not mechanically determine qualitative or quantitative methods.

USED ACROSS
Banking & financeBusiness & MBAPsychologyComputer scienceEducation
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