Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis: Philosophical Foundations and Its Application in Management and Organizational Studies

Document Type : علمی - پژوهشی

Author

. PhD Candidate in Human Resource Management, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Extended Abstract
 
Introduction and Objectives: Qualitative research in the social sciences, particularly within management and organizational studies, has gained significant prominence due to its ability to uncover the complexities of human experiences. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), as a qualitative method, focuses on interpreting individuals’ lived experiences while fostering a bidirectional interaction between researcher and participant. This dynamic enables deeper insights into organizational phenomena. The primary aim of this article is to establish a methodological framework for IPA by examining its roots in qualitative research traditions, philosophical foundations, key features, and procedural steps.
The article begins with an exploration of IPA’s philosophical underpinnings, addressing its ontological and epistemological perspectives. It then provides a comprehensive description of the method’s implementation stages and a critical evaluation of its application. Finally, the article discusses how IPA can be utilized in organizational studies, particularly in organizational behavior, to investigate the nuanced aspects of workplace dynamics. By combining theoretical rigor with practical relevance, this work seeks to empower researchers to effectively use IPA while addressing its inherent challenges, such as interpretive complexity and contextual sensitivity.
Method: This study adopts a review-analytical approach, drawing on library resources, documentary evidence, and the contributions of key theorists in interpretative phenomenology, such as Husserl, Heidegger, and Smith. The methodology includes a comparative analysis of IPA’s philosophical foundations and contrasts it with other qualitative methods. To ensure the validity of the proposed framework and analysis, academic experts familiar with IPA and qualitative methodology reviewed the study, offering critical feedback that informed subsequent revisions. The research process involved a detailed exploration of foundational texts, the extraction of key concepts, and the synthesis of theoretical principles, with an emphasis on their applicability in organizational contexts.
Results: The findings indicate that IPA, by integrating both phenomenological and hermeneutic approaches, uncovers deeper layers of meaning within organizational experiences. This method allows for the authentic expression of individual narratives while maintaining their integrity. Key distinctions were made between IPA and other qualitative methods such as Grounded Theory (which emphasizes depth over generalizability) and Narrative Analysis (which focuses on the interpretation of meaning rather than story structure). The study also identified limitations of IPA, including potential researcher bias, the time-intensive nature of the analysis, and challenges related to generalizability.
Discussion and Conclusions: Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) offers a robust methodology for organizational studies, enabling researchers to explore the complexities of organizational culture, leadership dynamics, and change processes through the lived experiences of stakeholders. By enriching qualitative data, IPA fosters both theoretical advancement and practical solutions in management research. However, its application requires advanced interpretive skills and a nuanced understanding of socio-cultural contexts, which present ongoing challenges for researchers.
To enhance methodological rigor, future studies should prioritize thorough documentation of IPA’s procedural stages (such as participant selection, hermeneutic analysis, and thematic synthesis). Additionally, specialized training programs aimed at strengthening researchers’ interpretive competencies—such as critical reflection, contextual sensitivity, and iterative data engagement—are essential for minimizing bias and ensuring accurate interpretations of organizational phenomena. This approach will enable scholars to fully harness IPA’s potential while remaining faithful to the authenticity of participants’ narratives..
Acknowledgement: The author extends deep gratitude to the esteemed professors of the Management Department at Tarbiat Modares University, especially Dr. Hassan Danaeifard and Dr. Hossein Kazemi, for their invaluable scholarly guidance, expertise in qualitative methodology, and critical role in introducing the philosophical and practical foundations of IPA. Their constructive feedback throughout the drafting and revision process greatly enriched this work.
Conflict of Interests:The author declares no conflict of interest.

Keywords

References

منابع
دانایی فرد، حسن، و کاظمی، سیدحسین (2010). ارتقای پژوهش های تفسیری در سازمان: مروری بر مبانی فلسفی و فرایند اجرای روش پدیدارنگاری.‎ فصلنامه مطالعات مدیریت بهبود و تحول، شماره ۶۱ ، ۱۲۱-۱۴۷.
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Methodology of Social Sciences and Humanities
Volume 31, Issue 124 - Serial Number 124
September 2025
Pages 109-137

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