Public inquiries and (historical) organizational research: contributions and methodological challenges

Abstract

Public inquiries offer a valuable data source for management research, particularly in understanding the challenges faced during significant events such as disasters or scandals. This study proposes a framework that positions public inquiries as both data sources and research roadmaps, addressing their results, discursive practices, and power dynamics. It also emphasizes the relevance of studying public inquiries and their reports for scholars concerned with organizational history. We present the roadmap proposal, a guide for researchers when using public inquiries as a data source, and as an essential component of the study. However, using public inquiries presents challenges, as various forces shape them and they should not be taken at face value. By examining the contributions and methodological challenges of using public inquiries in academic research, this study aims to foster their use in management research, particularly in contexts where collaboration between organizations and academia is limited.

Keywords:
public inquiry method; historical organizational research; parliamentary inquiry commission; events.