The rhetoric that stems from my paradigm will ensure the standards of credibility and trustworthiness that my research findings will be based upon (Kelly, 2002; Wagner et al., 2012):
• Data collected will be from a natural environment, a scene that is a non- disturbed, safe and non-threatening.
• The relationship between me as the researcher and the research participants will be open, unbiased, relaxed and trusting, adhering to ethical principles to enhance the trustworthiness of the study.
• Making use of triangulation in the form of multiple data collection methods like interviews and observation will enhance credibility.
• The bracketing technique, a process of setting aside my own personal experiences, biases, and preconceived notions, as well as knowledge of previous research findings and theories about this research topic, will enhance and ensure an open and empathic attitude towards the participants without letting it be influenced by preconceived ideas and prejudices. I do admit that I as researcher I am fallible, but will try my utmost best to stay objective,
eliminate personal biases as far as possible and to simply listen to what the phenomena are telling me and to reproduce it critically.
• Description of internal processes of investigation: because I am as the researcher so deeply involved with the study, I will not be detached but become part of the research by immersing myself into the process to understand the hearts and feelings of the participants.
• Engagement with material: my empathic, close and trusting relationship with participants and the extensively researched information I gathered will give me a compassionate view of human experience to deepen understanding to increase trustworthiness.
• Iteration: I will continually use a cycling process between observation and interpretation to ensure that I understand correctly to prevent misinterpretation.
• Grounding interpretations will apply where interpretations, observations and interviews will be linked.
• Testimonial participant validation: The interpretation of the study will be presented to all participants in order to confirm its accuracy.
3.5.5 Ethical Considerations
As mentioned in Chapter 1, written consent from the participating company, Neuro-Link, whose intellectual property was used during the training program preceding this study, have been obtained prior to the commencement of this study (Appendix A).
Gatekeepers of the participating companies to be observed will be consulted to obtain written permission that will permit me to get access entry into the
organisation to enable meto conduct the research study (Terre Blanche & Kelly, 2002). Gatekeepers will also be consulted to gain the information regarding the culture of the setting where the study will be performed (Appendix B).
Consent: informed consent documents were drawn up and will be presented to all proposed participants at companies to obtain their signed consent to participate in the study. This will include information to inform participants that they may
withdraw from the research process at any time, that their participation is voluntary and that they must understand that the research may affect them emotionally. The informed consent process will continually be applied throughout the duration of the research project (Appendix C).
Deception: care will be taken to establish and maintain a relationship of trust with all participants, to provide them with information for an understanding of the purpose of the study, what it is about, and why it is necessary, and to explain the methodology that will be used. Participants will be given the opportunity to give their ideas only, that they will not be judged or criticised, and never be argued or disagreed with.
commitments, stressful topic discussions, and disclosure of information. Attention will continuously be focussed on the well-being of all participants.
Reciprocity: participants will not be deceived in any way, but the true purpose and results will be conveyed to them, the potential uses of the research, as well as any risks and benefits that may arise during the research process.
Beneficence: throughout the process, ethical principles will be kept in mind to maximise benefits to participants. I understand that as the researcher it is my responsibility to provide care and support and to ensure that all participants will be treated fair and equal at all times.
Power and social justice: an attitude of fairness and justice will be maintained at all times throughout the research process. This includes the recruitment of
participants concerning social class, race, and gender when selecting a sample, the development of questions, interpretation of results as well as the conveying thereof. Vulnerable participants will be protected. As the researcher, I will present myself as such, without exerting positional power over any participant but treating them as equal. I will enter the study by maintaining a neutral stance in data collection and the analysis thereof without perceived ideas of bias.
Autonomy and respect for the dignity of participants: participants will be assured of the privacy and confidentiality of their responses throughout observations and individual interviews. No information that will embarrass or harm them will be disclosed at any time. Information discussed in confidentiality will only be disclosed on consent and anonymously if at all necessary.
All these ethical principles (Durrheim & Wassenaar, 2002) will be kept in mind and applied throughout the study. Participants will be continuously assured thereof as it will be communicated to them whenever the opportunity arises or necessitates. As a researcher, I am aware that if I do not adhere to the above ethical
3.6 Conclusion
Aiming to find out to what extent the Neuro-Link EI training program influences an individual in the workplace, the curriculum design, including its dimensions and a description of the nine modules and how the program applies to theories and approaches were discussed. Proposed outcomes were presented.
An interpretive research paradigm is what will assist me in learning more and guide my investigation. I will make use of qualitative methodology. This will give me the opportunity to explore, understand and describe the human nature and real-life experiences of the study participants.
The theoretical framework that includes the sampling of participants, methods of data collection, selection of data, data gathering techniques, and the analysis of the data were discussed. A non-probability (non-random) sampling technique of individuals who meet the criteria of having completed the Neuro-Link program, and who are available and willing to participate, will apply. The method of data
collection that will be used in the study is interviews with associated observation, with an open-ended but specific “grand tour” questioning technique. Based on the proposed outcomes, interviews will initially start with some pre-determined non- intrusive questions. Repeated interviewing will be guided into a more in-depth semi-structured format by using basic questions compiled from feedback derived from initial interviews. As different questions apply to participating groups, they are separately presented in the appropriate chapters.
I will be interested to discover similarities in how the participants share a view, or not, of the reality in their experience of EI training and applied learnt skills. Therefore, doing thematic analysis will be the most proper chosen technique. Applying a triangulation data gathering technique will increase trustworthiness and credibility of conclusions drawn from analysed data. I will continuously try to maintain a high standard of values to increase credibility and trustworthiness including ethical aspects which were discussed in detail.
CHAPTER 4
An Autoethnographic Account of the Impact of Experiencing an Emotional Intelligence Program