Autoethnography as a research method

In this chapter I will discuss how and why autoethnography is a suitable method for those interested in academic research where gender studies overlaps with management. In doing so I provide a brief history of ethnography before discussing autoethnography. I discuss the main features of autoethnography as a qualitative method and discuss recent academic work in gender and management studies that have used autoethnographic method. I provide two vignettes as examples of autoethnography that both illustrate and reflect on points raised in this chapter. I critically reflect on how this method both opens up a space for women and minority gender voices but may also restrict what stories may be told. I conclude with suggestions for how autoethnography may develop further as a method suited to gender and management research.