ABSTRACT
Chapter 1 introduces the application of relational and social constructionist philosophy, methodology and methods to studying the everyday life of organising. Important terms and concepts of social constructivism and relational research are defined and outlined. The aim of the chapter is to describe how and why social constructivism and relational research are relevant for students who seek to engage in research and co-construct inquiries with organisational members in ways that are interesting for all participants. The chapter is intended as an invitation to students to engage in research processes that contribute to the on-going, and indeed never-ending, development of organisational life. It describes how relational inquiries can be developed using relational concepts when the main objective is to collaborate with organisational practitioners, both as individuals and in groups. The chapter concludes by describing how the role of relational researcher differs from conventional approaches in qualitative research.
