Bracketing : a phenomenological theory applied through transpersonal reflexivity

Dörfler, Viktor and Stierand, Marc (2021) Bracketing : a phenomenological theory applied through transpersonal reflexivity. Journal of Organizational Change Management, 34 (4). pp. 778-793. ISSN 0953-4814 (https://doi.org/10.1108/JOCM-12-2019-0393)

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Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to improve our understanding of bracketing, one of the most central philosophical and theoretical constructs of phenomenology, as a theory of mind. Furthermore, we wanted to showcase how this theoretical construct can be implemented as a methodological tool. Design/methodology/approach In this study we have adopted an approach similar to a qualitative meta-synthesis, comparing the emergent patterns of two empirical projects, seeking synergies and contradictions, and looking for additional insights from new emerging patterns. Findings On a philosophical level, we have found that bracketing, as a theoretical construct, is not about the achievement of objectivity, quite to the contrary, it embraces subjectivity and puts it centre-stage. On a theoretical level, we have achieved a better understanding of Husserl’s phenomenology, as a theory of mind. On a methodological level, we have achieved a powerful way of supplementing and/or clarifying research findings, by using a theoretical construct as a methodological tool. Originality/value Our paper contributes to the phenomenology literature at a philosophical, theoretical and methodological level, by offering a better understanding and a novel implementation of one of the central theoretical constructs of phenomenology.