Qualitative research in organizational and vocational psychology, 1979-1999

In this essay, qualitative research is shown to consist of a set of methods that fits very nicely with some of the research questions asked by organizational and vocational psychologists. Because many researchers want additional tools, interest in these qualitative techniques appears to be growing. Two metagoals of this article are (a) to bolster this growing interest and (b) to inspire readers of the Journal of Vocational Behavior (JVB) to learn more about these qualitative methods. In keeping with the spirit of JVB's annual reviews, we describe the body of qualitative studies reported by organizational and vocational researchers. Because these techniques may be relatively new to many readers of JVB, exemplary studies and specific best practices are highlighted and recommended as possible templates for future research. In addition, substantive issues are identified and discussed. In the final section, lessons and conclusions are drawn. (C) 1999 Academic Press.