Experiences from the Field: Positionality, Reflexivity, and Insider Perspective, in Entrepreneurship Research

The influence of the researcher's position is typically disregarded when undertaking research, yet it can significantly impact the quality of a piece of research. Insider researchers, who are members of the social group or context they study, offer enhanced understanding through their positionality, personal experiences and familiarity, leading to deeper insights and improved rapport with participants. This paper investigates the research methods related to insider perspectives, researcher positionality, and reflexivity, with a focus on their application in entrepreneurial studies. Drawing on reflexivity in grounded theory, and on dynamic reflexivity in interview-based research, it highlights how triangulation and insider perspectives enrich qualitative research. Despite the increasing relevance of qualitative methods, entrepreneurship research remains predominantly quantitative. This paper argues for the value of acknowledging the researcher’s positionality and insider perspective, particularly in creating equitable research environments and enhancing understanding of complex phenomena. By presenting three case studies from doctoral research, the paper demonstrates various methodological approaches and reflects on how researchers address challenges and learn through reflexive practices.