ETHICS IN CUALITATIVE INVESTIGATION. A REFLECTION FROM ORGANIZATIONAL STUDIES

Abstract

Qualitative research is a deep and complex activity because the researcher is a subject inserted in the object of study; When carrying out the research he simultaneously suffers from its influence; thus, facing ethical issues. There is an influence of the context, which often requires the adoption of ethical rules and norms by the researcher to the situation that is experienced, producing a dilemma. The ethical integrity of research is not only limited to respecting the standards or directives of ethics committees but also as part of the responsibility of the researcher, which is inseparable from their scientific quality. The objective of this work is to reflect on the different ethical dilemmas associated with the research process within Organizational Studies, for which three doctoral theses were chosen from the Postgraduate in Organizational Studies of the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Iztapalapa that used multiple case studies in microenterprises. in Mexico. A documentary review was carried out by the researchers and the ethical implications of the research were discussed. The main conclusions were that the research activity of the study area reflects on the importance of ethics in the application of qualitative methodology and its implications in the research process. The management of the investigation must be careful, comprehensive and openly informed to the parties involved, from the beginning of the research to the publication of the results. The ethical challenges that arise when entering the organization must establish explicit informed consent and participants must have the security and clarity of making informed decisions regarding the information that will be provided in addition to its use and dissemination.