Autoethnographic reflections on creating inclusive and collaborative virtual places for academic research

Trifan, C.A., de Waegh, R., Zhang, Y. and Ooi, C. S. 2024. Autoethnographic reflections on creating inclusive and collaborative virtual places for academic research. Journal of Organizational Ethnography. 13 (2), pp. 176-195. https://doi.org/10.1108/JOE-06-2023-0037

TitleAutoethnographic reflections on creating inclusive and collaborative virtual places for academic research
TypeJournal article
AuthorsTrifan, C.A., de Waegh, R., Zhang, Y. and Ooi, C. S.
Abstract

Purpose
This paper explores the collaborative dynamics and dimensions within a virtual multi-cultural and interdisciplinary workplace. The study focusses on the use of online communication technologies to enhance social inclusion and networking within academia.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses an autoethnographic approach to draw on the personal experiences of a team of four scholars, including three early-career researchers and a senior scholar. Their reflections on their academic positionality and the institutional constraints reveal both the strengths and vulnerabilities of collaborating in a virtual workplace.

Findings
The findings offer insights into the complexities of navigating social dynamics, such as delegating responsibilities, organising meetings across various time zones and encouraging continuous collaboration, inclusivity and effective communication during an extensive timeline. As a result, their experiences revealed that a virtual workplace culture with similar and different attributes to a “normal” workplace emerged.

Originality/value
The paper demonstrates how to create an effective and inclusive virtual workplace by exemplifying best practices in academia and providing practical guidance for individuals and institutions based on honest, co-produced autoethnographic reflections of the authors’ lived experiences.

Keywordsvirtual academic workplaces, multi-cultural, community-centric values, inclusivity, collaborative autoethnography, vulnerability, COVID-19
JournalJournal of Organizational Ethnography
Journal citation13 (2), pp. 176-195
ISSN2046-6749
Year2024
PublisherEmerald Publishing Limited
Publisher's version
License
CC BY 4.0
File Access Level
Open (open metadata and files)
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1108/JOE-06-2023-0037
Publication dates
Published online19 Feb 2024

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