ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on methodological issues in researching maladministration. It starts with a discussion of leadership and ethics, and goes on to look at research approaches that may be used in trying to understand mal-administration and what can be delicate interpersonal situations, for example accessing potential participants. The chapter addresses how researchers are able to shed light on dysfunctional behaviour and how they decide their key methodological concerns as the research is framed. It draws together key issues for the researcher to contemplate when considering researching destructive leadership. The chapter discusses the position of a researcher within a certain paradigm was noted, and how this influences methodological choices. It explains some of the methodological issues that need to be thoughtfully considered when researching maladministration. Principles may come into conflict with each other, and this makes the researcher's task one of judgement, and a need to continually reflect on the ethical judgements made as the research progresses.
