Tales of the Field

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Once, ethnographers returned from the field, organized their notes, and described the customs they observed. Today, scholars recognize that how research is presented is as crucial as the content itself. Issues of voice, style, and audience have gained prominence in academia. John Van Maanen, an experienced ethnographer of modern organizations, believes the real work begins when he returns to his office with notes and tapes. In his exploration of narrative conventions in cultural writing, he analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of various styles. He discusses the realistic reports of classical ethnography, the confessional tales of participant-observers, and the dramatic vignettes of impressionistic writing. Briefly, he also touches on literary tales, jointly told tales, and theoretically focused narratives. Van Maanen illustrates his points with excerpts from his own work on the police. His informal and accessible treatment of rhetorical devices in fieldwork presentation encourages ethnographers to examine their assumptions about truthful cultural portrayals. Rather than advocating a single approach to ethnography, he emphasizes the importance of choosing the most fitting voice for each narrative. Written with grace and humor, this work serves as an invaluable resource for both novices and seasoned ethnographers.