Sleepless Nights While Our Doctoral Students Are in the Field: Supervisor Reflections on Ethical Challenges

Abstract

Prior studies have highlighted ethical challenges in researching in developing countries but have not explored the ethical issues for supervisors when their doctoral students undertake qualitative fieldwork in such contexts. Doctoral research in developing countries has the potential to provide valuable knowledge; yet, where data cannot be collected, important potential knowledge is lost. Moreover, where doctoral research does not follow ethical practice there is potential for damaged relations between organizations and universities, which can impact student, supervisor, and university reputation. Thus, doctoral students’ supervisors have an essential role in providing training to ensure ethical and culturally appropriate research. We reflect on our experiences as supervisors of business doctoral students who collected original data in developing countries and underpin these reflections with our own extensive (international) management research in developing countries to discuss ethical challenges for supervisors. We offer insights and action guidelines for current and prospective students, supervisors, and universities.