Ravalier PhD Theis.pdf - Anglia Ruskin Research Online

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2c) ‘Log’ Research Phase
Everyday experience suggests that we are not always in the same mood, and that phenomena such as job
performance can fluctuate from day-to-day. Diary methods of data collection have been used over the past decade
in work and organisational research (e.g. van Eerde et al. 2005), and particularly in areas of health and stress
(Jones et al., 2007). In the presented research the daily logs were used in order to record everyday experiences.
Diaries are useful for collecting various types of data. For example they can be used to collect data one or
Discussion Box 12: How the Logs Link to AI
1) The questioning within the logs was designed to fit the central premise of positivity within
the AI process. They assessed what is working well in the organisation, and how this can be
applied to areas of the workplace which are not working as well (as identified through survey
outcomes and log responses).
2) Completion of the logs gave individuals from all areas of the social organisation the
chance to engage in an initiative designed to create systematic and positive change. The
logs were used as the source of information by which the need for change is identified, as
well as how this change can be implemented.
3) The manner of questioning allowed individuals to share stories about their past
achievements and unexplored potential within the organisation.
The log phase was used to capture both the areas within the workplace that are
working, as well as how the principles from the stronger parts of the organisation can be
applied to areas within the organisation which are not working as well. By asking individuals
to comment on ‘what went well’ in their day, as well as ‘what didn’t go as well’ and ‘how this
can be improved’ each of these aspects is addressed.
This phase played a part in the first three of the five stages of the revised AI cycle.
They allowed elaboration upon the areas which are working well within the department,
helping to alleviate some of the stressors employees may otherwise experience. Next the
logs helped to determine how these specific areas of the workplace might be used to
influence the parts which are not working as well and thus allowing individuals to ‘dream’ of
more times a day, and also allow the
thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in
the phenomena and individual under
consideration's natural context.
They are therefore ideal for the
assessment of aspects of the
workplace which can be dynamic,
changing by the month, week or
even day. Diary methods are
therefore useful to capture the shortterm
dynamics of experiences within
and between individuals in the work
context (Ohly et al., 2010).