Chapter 5
Methodology
In this chapter, I outline the methodological considerations underpinning my qualitative research design, including the formal ethical procedures undertaken and the
main ethical dilemmas encountered in the process of conducting this research. I then
describe the qualitative data collection methods used, including my strategies for
recruitment, followed by how I conducted, transcribed and analysed the interviews.
Finally, I draw on principles of reflexivity (Berger, 2015) to recount my journey as a
social investment expert and researcher, and reflect on how these roles have shaped
my research objectives and my epistemological and theoretical perspectives.
5.1 Methodological Considerations
In this study, I set out to understand how O&G social investment experts understand
and practice social investment in the O&G industry by exploring the discourses
embedded in their narratives. As noted in Chapter 4, I drew on a range of theoretical
perspectives to frame my research questions:
1. Which discourses do O&G social investment personnel draw on to talk about
social investment?
2. How are the discourses adopted by the O&G participants reproduced in the social
investment guideline documents?
3. What are the experts’ recommendations for future O&G social investment?
4. Which discourses are evident in participants’ recommendations for future O&G
social investment?
My research questions and aims, together with my theoretical framework, led me to
adopt a qualitative research design (Creswell & Poth, 2017).
© Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021
R. Costa Camões Rabello, Understandings of Social Investment in the Oil and Gas Sector,
Approaches to Global Sustainability, Markets, and Governance,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-33-6556-8_5
53
Methodology
In this chapter, I outline the methodological considerations underpinning my qualitative research design, including the formal ethical procedures undertaken and the
main ethical dilemmas encountered in the process of conducting this research. I then
describe the qualitative data collection methods used, including my strategies for
recruitment, followed by how I conducted, transcribed and analysed the interviews.
Finally, I draw on principles of reflexivity (Berger, 2015) to recount my journey as a
social investment expert and researcher, and reflect on how these roles have shaped
my research objectives and my epistemological and theoretical perspectives.
5.1 Methodological Considerations
In this study, I set out to understand how O&G social investment experts understand
and practice social investment in the O&G industry by exploring the discourses
embedded in their narratives. As noted in Chapter 4, I drew on a range of theoretical
perspectives to frame my research questions:
1. Which discourses do O&G social investment personnel draw on to talk about
social investment?
2. How are the discourses adopted by the O&G participants reproduced in the social
investment guideline documents?
3. What are the experts’ recommendations for future O&G social investment?
4. Which discourses are evident in participants’ recommendations for future O&G
social investment?
My research questions and aims, together with my theoretical framework, led me to
adopt a qualitative research design (Creswell & Poth, 2017).
© Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021
R. Costa Camões Rabello, Understandings of Social Investment in the Oil and Gas Sector,
Approaches to Global Sustainability, Markets, and Governance,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-33-6556-8_5
53