Editorial: Crafting a contribution: working with qualitative research across different formats

In our inaugural editorial, we outlined the critical imagination as a guiding principle for Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management: An International Journal (QROM), celebrating the journal's commitment to inclusive, interdisciplinary and impactful qualitative research. In this editorial, we turn our focus to crafting a contribution and the many ways authors can engage with QROM’s mission. What does it mean to craft a meaningful contribution in qualitative research? How might researchers leverage different submission formats to deepen our understanding of organisation and management studies? We aim to offer practical guidance – especially for the doctoral students and early-career scholars who place their first publications with us – while reaffirming our commitment to fostering a diverse and vibrant scholarly community.

We have recently published a revision to QROM’s aims and scope (https://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/journal/qrom), emphasising the importance of sparking debate, fostering rigorous critique and advancing innovative research that explores the intricate interplay between organisations, management and their localised contexts. Central to this vision is our commitment to the critical imagination (Longman and Segarra, 2024), a powerful framework that combines disciplined critique with creativity and socio-political awareness. This commitment shapes our understanding of crafting meaningful contributions, which entails unsettling taken-for-granted assumptions, amplifying marginalised voices and inspiring transformative practices that challenge oppressive systems and envision more equitable futures.

The critical imagination requires researchers to transcend conventional thinking, engaging deeply with phenomena that disrupt hegemonic norms. By fostering new ways of seeing, it invites contributions that embrace reflexivity, creativity and interdisciplinarity, offering novel empirical insights and theoretical critiques. Submissions that actively engage with social imaginaries, both shared and observer-relative, are particularly encouraged, as they play a vital role in reimagining organisational and management studies for the future. This commitment also entails addressing pressing global challenges, from social justice to ecological responsibility, while grounding scholarship in lived experiences and historical contexts. We encourage authors to explore alternative epistemologies and methodologies, situating their research within broader ethical, socio-political and ecological frameworks. In line with the critical imagination, QROM values research that mobilises affect, empathy and storytelling to connect with diverse audiences and drive transformative action. Submissions should aim not only to enrich academic discourse but also to inform practice and policy, creating meaningful change within and beyond academia.

As part of this vision, QROM prioritises inclusivity across paradigms, traditions and geographies. We welcome submissions that challenge dominant paradigms, including Western-centric frameworks, and engage with Indigenous and non-Western epistemologies. By amplifying historically marginalised voices, these contributions align with our commitment to building a more equitable, context-sensitive and interdisciplinary scholarly community. Our commitment extends to enacting an ethics of care throughout the publication process. Recognising the pressures of contemporary academia, QROM emphasises collaborative and developmental peer-review processes, fostering mentoring practices for early-career scholars. By promoting accessibility and actively supporting authors from historically marginalised backgrounds, we aim to create a nurturing scholarly environment that reflects the principles of care, inclusion and equity. Through these practices, we seek to align the journal’s processes with its values, enabling researchers to thrive while contributing to impactful and transformative scholarship.

Crafting a contribution through the lens of the critical imagination is both an intellectual and creative endeavour. It moves beyond simply generating new data or confirming existing theoretical understanding; instead, it requires engaging deeply with a research problem in ways that unsettle taken-for-granted assumptions and inspire alternative perspectives. For us, a contribution informed by the critical imagination embraces reflexivity, creativity and rigour, challenging researchers to transcend conventional thinking and offer insights that resonate within and beyond academia.

Crafting a contribution involves imagining new possibilities, integrating ethics and socio-political awareness and fostering a connection between theoretical critique and real-world transformation. Submissions that address pressing global challenges, such as those outlined in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – including decent work, peace and justice, gender equality and climate action – can demonstrate how organisational practices intersect with broader societal goals. By grounding research in lived experiences and global contexts, authors can inform decision-making in organisational, policy and community settings, contributing to meaningful societal change.

Such contributions should not only analyse organisational phenomena but also explore their potential to foster positive societal change. By connecting qualitative inquiry to the SDGs, authors can demonstrate the real-world impact of their research, contributing to a more equitable and sustainable future. Whether through advancing ethical leadership practices, promoting inclusive organisational cultures or exploring sustainable business models, submissions that align with the SDGs underscore the journal’s dedication to scholarship that informs practice, policy and global development.

While we encourage methodological creativity and innovation, we recognise the challenges early career researchers may face when introducing unconventional approaches. Academic conventions and review processes, often steeped in hegemonic patriarchal expectations that prioritise text over other modes of expression, can pose significant barriers to the acceptance of novel methodologies. This tension is particularly acute for researchers navigating career milestones where alignment with established norms may feel safer. To address this, we encourage authors to balance innovation with clarity and coherence, explicitly framing their contributions within existing debates while articulating the unique insights their approaches provide.

QROM’s entire editorial team is committed to nurturing an open dialogue with authors exploring unconventional approaches. Through developmental feedback and mentoring, we aim to help contributors refine their methodologies and align innovation with methodological rigour. By offering this support, we seek to create a supportive scholarly environment that values intellectual risk-taking while maintaining the highest standards of qualitative inquiry.

By doing so, researchers can make a compelling case for the value of their work without compromising their methodological integrity or career progression. As Editors-in-Chief, we are committed to ensuring that innovative contributions are given the opportunity to thrive within academic discourse.

Notwithstanding this, we encourage prospective authors to consider three interconnected dimensions of a strong contribution:

A strong contribution begins with originality. This involves questioning established theories and offering alternative interpretations that disrupt traditional paradigms. Originality also lies in expanding what we consider to be “organisational” and “managerial,” opening the field to previously ignored or overlooked phenomena. Whether it is through innovative methodologies, creative applications of theory or introducing novel empirical contexts, originality demonstrates a commitment to challenging boundaries and, in so doing, envisioning new possibilities. Importantly, originality in the context of the critical imagination is not about novelty for its own sake but about addressing meaningful questions in ways that unsettle the comfortable and provoke new ways of thinking. For inspiration, see how McDonald (2017) disrupts, critiques and explores the methodological implications of queering organisational research, or how Jamjoom (2021) holds a mirror to the colonialist frameworks that are still embedded in academia.

Research informed by the critical imagination is inherently relevant, addressing questions that matter both within academic discourse and in broader societal contexts. Contributions should engage with real-world challenges – whether social justice, ecological responsibility or the ethics of organising and managing – providing insights that resonate with diverse audiences. Relevance also involves being attuned to the complexities of lived experiences and exploring how organisational phenomena interact with broader societal structures. By aligning with pressing global issues, contributions extend their impact beyond academia, fostering a dialogue between scholarship and practice that informs transformative change. Explore how Parker et al. (2022) address the issue of gender equity in the New Zealand public service, Löfstrand and Backman (2022) tackle body-worn camera use in the Swedish private security industry or Hanson-Rasmussen and Opall (2022) shine a light on a green business network recognising but not increasing sustainable business practice in the mid-west region of the United States of America.

Rigour underpins all aspects of crafting a contribution. This involves more than methodological soundness; it requires transparency, reflexivity and a deep engagement with the ethical and contextual dimensions of the research. We posit that reflexivity is central to the critical imagination, as it encourages researchers to critically examine their positionality, assumptions and influence on the research process. Rigour also extends to the writing itself – clear, coherent and accessible communication is essential to ensure the research resonates with diverse audiences. In this way, rigour complements originality and relevance, ensuring that contributions are not only innovative and meaningful but also credible and impactful. Through rigorous research, new possibilities are opened – such as Gherardi (2023) on affective space, Love (2020) on Indigenous knowledges and della Porta and Pavan (2017) on activism in times of crisis.

The contributions we highlight are neither isolated examples nor constrained by format. By embracing originality, relevance and rigour, authors can craft contributions that embody the critical imagination, advancing organisational and management studies in ways that provoke, challenge and inspire.

As we argued in our inaugural editorial, the growing emphasis on producing highly ranked publications often encourages conformity to dominant discourses, narrowing the scope for creativity and depth. At QROM, we reject this trend and instead embrace intellectual diversity and methodological innovation. To foster impactful scholarship, we offer a range of submission formats, each designed to accommodate different forms of critical imagination.

Below, we outline the available types, emphasising their potential to expand the boundaries of qualitative research.

Research papers (9,000–10,000 words) serve as a foundation for advancing the critical imagination by offering nuanced, empirically grounded insights into organisational complexities. These papers are essential for challenging theoretical assumptions and revealing the realities of practice. Through robust qualitative data collection and nuanced theoretical critiques, they contribute to transformative scholarship by addressing meaningful questions that disrupt dominant paradigms. For example, studies that examine previously marginalised organisational phenomena or employ innovative data collection methods reflect the critical imagination’s capacity to provoke debate and inspire alternative perspectives.

Literature reviews, accepted within this format upon prior agreement with the Co-Editors-in-Chief, are particularly valuable when addressing specific, critical questions. By synthesising scholarship, they highlight gaps and opportunities for future research, advancing the critical imagination by fostering a deeper understanding of existing debates and identifying pathways for innovative inquiry.

Limited to 6,000 words, Insider Accounts provide researchers with a platform to reflect on the challenges, surprises and complexities encountered during fieldwork. This format epitomises reflexivity by inviting authors to critically examine their roles, assumptions and positionalities in the research process. By sharing unexpected moments and nuanced insights from the field, Insider Accounts foster a deeper understanding of qualitative methodologies and their socio-political implications. These narratives illuminate the emotional and ethical dimensions of research, creating opportunities for methodological innovation and collective learning that align with QROM’s commitment to critical, inclusive and impactful scholarship.

Viewpoints (up to 6,000 words) offer a space for speculative, provocative or critical essays that push the boundaries of conventional thinking. This format represents the critical imagination in its most direct form, encouraging authors to challenge established norms, propose alternative frameworks and address contemporary issues with creativity and rigour. Whether critiquing hegemonic discourses, imagining equitable futures or offering theoretical experimentation, Viewpoints invite scholars to rethink and reshape organisational and management studies in alignment with QROM’s mission to disrupt the status quo and envision transformative possibilities.

Coming soon, this new format (up to 3,000 words) bridges theory and practice by inviting concise, practical resources, such as case studies, experiential exercises or pedagogical reflections. By integrating the principles of the critical imagination into teaching tools, this format fosters dynamic learning environments that emphasise reflexivity, empathy and transformative action. Submissions should inspire engagement with critical concepts, enabling educators and practitioners to challenge traditional approaches and cultivate inclusive and impactful organisational and management education.

Critical commentaries (up to 1,500 words) expand traditional review formats by engaging with books, films, artwork or significant news events. This format leverages the critical imagination to connect organisational scholarship with broader cultural and societal debates. By exploring how these artifacts challenge or reinforce hegemonic organisational discourses, Critical Commentaries broaden the journal’s interdisciplinary reach and foster dialogues that transcend academic boundaries. These concise, thought-provoking pieces encourage scholars to engage with diverse perspectives and contribute to public debates that resonate beyond academia.

Special Issues provide a unique opportunity to curate collections that engage with under-represented or emerging areas of inquiry. At QROM, we invite proposals for Special Issues that align with our mission to foster inclusivity, innovation and critical reflection. Whether addressing global crises, marginalised perspectives or methodological advancements, these issues deepen understanding and inspire meaningful dialogue across diverse audiences. Upcoming issues include Queer Troublemakers and Intersectional Solidarity in Times of Anti-Queer Backlash; Research Methods for the Performative and Communicative Study of Organising and Organisations; Research Methods for the Performative and Communicative Study of Organising and Organisations; and Embracing Alterity, Reflexivity and Passion in Qualitative Organisational Research.

We take no pride in a low acceptance rate. Our goal is to foster impactful and transformative research, not to enforce unnecessary barriers. As Editors, we are committed to collaborating with authors to develop their ideas and ensure submissions align with QROM’s mission and expectations. The following tips will help you craft a strong submission and increase the likelihood of advancing to peer review:

• (1)

  Understand the journal: Familiarise yourself with QROM’s aims and scope. Submissions should reflect the journal’s commitment to critical imagination, inclusivity and methodological innovation. Ensure your work aligns with these values by clearly articulating its relevance to organisational and management studies.

• (2)

  Crafting the submission: Tailor your manuscript to QROM’s submission guidelines, including word limits, referencing style and required sections. Use the structured abstract to succinctly communicate your study’s key elements. Additionally, leverage the letter to the Editors to highlight how your submission fits with the journal’s mission and themes.

• (3)

  Engage with literature: Root your research in relevant scholarly debates and articulate how it advances existing conversations. Highlight gaps, challenge dominant paradigms or engage with prior QROM contributions to demonstrate scholarly rigour.

• (4)

  Polishing your work: Write for impact by ensuring your ideas are clear, coherent and accessible. Use plain language where possible and structure your arguments logically to resonate with a diverse audience.

• (5)

  Seek feedback: Collaborate with peers, mentors or colleagues to refine your manuscript. Reach out to QROM’s Editors-in-Chief or Associate Editors for guidance on aligning your work with the journal’s priorities and exploring opportunities for development.

By following these steps, you can craft submissions that embody the critical imagination and contribute to the dynamic scholarly discussions QROM seeks to foster.

We are pleased to introduce the articles in this issue, which reflect QROM’s commitment to the critical imagination. By weaving together reflexivity, creativity and socio-political awareness, these contributions illustrate the diverse ways scholars can address pressing global challenges, disrupt conventional thinking and envision transformative practices.

In “Exploring cultural disfluencies and negotiation strategies adopted by minority-group members in Japanese work settings,” Aashlesha Marathe and Soyhan Egitim examine the experiences of minority-group workers in Japanese workplaces, highlighting adaptive negotiation strategies and advocating for cross-cultural training that emphasises integration strategies rather than solely focusing on host culture characteristics. Katrina Pritchard, Helen C. Williams and Maggie C. Miller, in “Methodological reflections on tracing networked images,” reflect on the methodological challenges of tracing and analysing commercial images of entrepreneurship, highlighting how image networks reproduce neoliberal ideals. This work opens a dialogue about methodological innovation in visual research, offering practical insights for researchers navigating complex online environments. Andrea Tomo maps the dynamics of professional identity through an exploration of threats, struggles and coping mechanisms in “Professionals reacting to identity crisis: exploring threats, struggles and coping behaviours,” using a systematic literature review to build theoretical and practical insights into managing professional identity. Graham Frobisher, Deborah Price and Jo Brewis, writing “The 7th decade manager: Who are you and what do you do?”, explore the under-researched experiences of managers in their seventh decade of life, revealing the value of older managers’ expertise and the need for organisational policies that better support their psychosocial transitions. In “Gaining access: a cautionary tale from a Ph.D. student,” Cristian E. Villanueva, Adrianela Angeles, Luz Cecilia Revilla and Diana L. Villanueva reflect on the challenges of gaining access to field sites through gatekeepers, revealing the importance of rapport, trust, reciprocity and persistence, as well as the role of luck. Our final offering is the thoughtful book review by Eda Ulus of a text by Kathleen Lynch entitled “Care and capitalism,” which will surely be of interest to many readers. We invite you to engage with these articles, which we hope will inspire new dialogues, collaborations and critical inquiry within the QROM community and beyond.

As we look to the future of QROM, we are inspired by the diverse and transformative contributions published in this issue. Whether you are an early-career researcher navigating new methodologies, an established scholar challenging conventional paradigms or a practitioner-researcher aiming to connect theory with action, your voice is essential to our mission of advancing critical qualitative research.

QROM thrives on fostering a collaborative and inclusive scholarly community. We are dedicated to supporting authors at every stage of their journey, from the development of initial ideas to the refinement of impactful manuscripts. Through our commitment to the critical imagination, we aim to cultivate research that not only enriches academic discourse but also contributes to meaningful change in organisations and society.

At QROM, crafting a contribution is an invitation to challenge conventions, explore innovative methodologies and address the complexities of global challenges. By engaging with our submission formats and embracing reflexivity, creativity and interdisciplinarity, we encourage you to push the boundaries of qualitative research. We look forward to receiving your contributions and collaborating to advance the field of qualitative research.

Thank you for accompanying us on this journey.