An innovative observatory of polar expedition projects: An investigation of organizing

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to present a methodology for investigating projects of polar expeditions: in situ, in vivo, and in extenso. It is a new kind of qualitative methodology in that, classically, this type of method mostly focuses on "ways of saying" (Hlady Rispal, 2002), whereas we concentrate on "ways of doing" (Lièvre & Rix-Lièvre, 2009). The aim is to study the actuality of the collective action of organizing in its totality. It is guided by the description of "organizing" as defined by Weick. This case is built from information gathered by two actors engaged in the expedition, each one collecting data in a specific perspective. The first data collection was dedicated to collective dimensions. The multimedia logbook is filled in by a researcher in a posture of observant participation, relying on paper or video traces regularly collected throughout the project. These traces are then shaped to make a narrative. The second data collection was dedicated to more individual practices and therefore centered on individual members of the expedition at specific moments. The Device for Objectifying Situated Practices relies on two videos of the situation-one from an outside point of view and the other one using an embedded camera in order to record from a standpoint close to the actor's-and on an interview with the actor using the second recording. The method allows us to objectify the tacit knowledge implemented by the actor in a completed situation, and to shape it in a chronological statement. © 2010 by the Project Management Institute Published online in Wiley InterScience.