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Contribution short abstract:

Insider research is highlighted for the natural access to the studied group. However, challenges are associated with insider knowledge’s domination and opportunities for alternative perspectives. I adopted a flexible insider/outsider positionality to reflect on the biases related to insider status.

Contribution long abstract:

In my PhD research with women working in the NGO sector in Vietnam, I approached the researched community through an insider identity as a former female co-worker or colleague in the NGO sector. Insider research is often highlighted for its natural access to the studied group for insider knowledge without upsetting the natural setting (Bonner and Tolhurst, 2002; Ross, 2017; Merton, 1972). However, there are challenges involved with the knowledge generated with insider status. Insider researchers are often criticised for lacking the objectivity to be aware of the domination of insider knowledge (Chavez, 2008; Ross, 2017; Merton, 1972). Also, the dominant knowledge of the researcher about the researched area might eliminate the opportunities to explore other perspectives from the informants (Dwyer and Buckle, 2009). To deal with this dilemma, I adopted a flexible insider/outsider positionality to reflect on the knowledge produced with the insider status. When moving out from the insider status, I could engage critically with the insider knowledge and reflect on and interrogate the dominant knowledge to seek alternative explanations of the issues under investigation. Also, periodic detachment from the informants allowed me to gain the necessary distance to testify to the coherence and consistency of the information collected. The flexible insider/outside positionality also enables me to reflect on the validity of the interview data to avoid unnecessary biases.