More about Workshop Research Methodology
In the 1980s, the term “workshop” primarily referred to a place where things were made or repaired. Today, however, workshops are understood as collaborative group sessions where participants engage in learning, collective problem-solving, brainstorming, or innovation.
Workshops serve as an effective tool for employee learning and development within organizations and are particularly useful in facilitating organizational change, such as during an ERP implementation. Beyond training, workshops are also a valuable workshop research methodology used to gather both primary and secondary data from participants.
Primary data arises in real-time through interactions between researchers and participants, while secondary data is derived retrospectively from notes, recordings, or related documents. The quality of analysis can vary depending on whether it is conducted by someone who attended the workshop or an external analyst—each offering unique advantages, such as firsthand insight or objective evaluation.
In research-oriented workshops, participants actively engage in activities as part of the research design, with facilitators often adopting the role of ethnographers to observe and interpret group dynamics.
Types of Workshops
There are four types of workshop methods: Contractual, Consultative, collaborative, and collegiate. The methods, their purpose, advantages and disadvantages are listed below
Method
Purpose
Advantages
Disadvantages
Contractual
To conduct research on the workshop participants in inquiries and experiments.
Research participants devote set time for the workshop as participation is paid.
In cases where participants are paid to participate, a thorough background check is required to ensure authenticity.
Consultative
To consult workshop participants on domain specific issues and regarding their opinions before interventions are made.
Valuable and meaningful insights can be gained through this approach.
In case, experts are consulted during the workshop, the expert opinion i.e. the participant fee could be very high.
Collaborative
To problem solve, brainstorm or innovate. The researchers and participants work together, but with the researcher is in control.
Can lead to developing greater empathy as well as a great rapport between the researcher and participant.
- May affect the natural journey of the participant.
- Can lead to research subject and researcher bias.
Collegiate
The workshop researchers and participants contribute in a mutual process controlled by the participants.
- Can lead to developing greater empathy as well as a great rapport between the researcher and participant.
- May affect the natural journey of the participant.
- Can lead to research subject and researcher bias.
Advantages of Workshop Research Methodology
1. Thought Diversity
Workshops bring together diverse participants, generating a wide range of ideas and perspectives. This diversity fuels richer insights during workshop research methodology sessions.
2. Group Think
With multiple individuals collaborating, ideas are generated rapidly. The collective experience of the group enhances problem-solving effectiveness, making workshops a powerful tool for creative problem solving and innovation
3. Creative Problem Solving
Disadvantages of Workshop Research Methodology
1. Time and Cost Intensive
Contractual or consultative workshops can be resource heavy. Without effective synthesis, sessions risk becoming unproductive, consuming significant time and budget without delivering actionable results.
2. Need for Experienced Facilitators
An experienced facilitator or moderator is crucial to create a comfortable environment where all participants feel encouraged to contribute, ensuring balanced participation and maximizing the value of the workshop research design.
3. Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen
Large groups may hinder focused idea generation. Sometimes, too many participants can dilute creativity, making it challenging to produce innovative solutions in a single session.