Photo-elicitation: an ethno-historical accounting and management research prospect

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to explore the methodological dimensions and potential of photo-elicitation, particularly as a historical research tool for archival, oral and critical accounting, and management historians. Design/methodology/approach – The analysis draws upon the methodological, theoretical and empirical literatures of visual anthropology, visual sociology, visual ethnography, oral history, and visual research methods and develops a methodological agenda for photo-elicitation research in accounting and management history. Findings – It reveals the potential for contextualised, interpretive and critical discovery in accounting and management history. The prospect of peeling back of hidden layers and voices is significantly enhanced by the introduction of photo-elicitation, which offers empowerment not only through the visual triggering of memory but through the negotiation and construction of images themselves. Originality/value – The prospect of more direct access to organisational and personal experience and context is accompanied by new understandings of multiple voices and fresh narratives. Together, these promise potential insights from the particular to the societal.