Pragmatic is an approach to human communication that focuses on what people actually mean when they use language rather than the conventional meanings of words. It considers the context of an utterance and the interaction between speakers, as well as how other utterances in the same conversation affect the intended meaning.
Pragmatism emphasizes the importance of consequences and outcomes, encouraging individuals to assess the practical effects of their actions and beliefs, promoting responsible and ethical behavior. For example, in environmental policy, a pragmatic approach would take into account the impact of different practices and regulations on our planet’s environment to make informed decisions that minimize harm and promote sustainability.
In an organizational setting, pragmatism is useful as it encourages collaboration between team members and stakeholders to solve problems in a timely manner. This enables organizations to implement changes in real-time and adapt their processes as necessary, making them more effective and efficient. It also allows for the inclusion of multiple perspectives in problem solving, which can lead to a more holistic solution.
Moreover, in an empirical research setting, pragmatism provides a useful lens through which to view respondent behaviors and experiences as potential sources of information for research questions. This feature is particularly important for NGO researchers as organizational processes are often poorly documented and rely heavily on the knowledge and interpretations of implementing staff. Using a pragmatist lens can help to surface these issues and enhance the quality of qualitative data collection.
Another benefit of pragmatism is its ability to encourage a balanced approach to business, balancing short-term gains with long-term goals and objectives. This can be an important consideration for organizations seeking to maximize profits in a competitive marketplace. However, prioritizing short-term gains should not be at the expense of future success; for example, if an organization cuts corners or sacrifices quality to achieve quick profits, this may undermine long-term reputation and business sustainability.
Finally, pragmatism is often associated with relativism and lack of a solid foundation for truth and moral values. This can be problematic as it can lead to a subjective and contingent understanding of moral values and principles, making it difficult to establish objective standards or distinguish between right and wrong.
This article presents three selected pragmatic principles as a framework for exploring the application of pragmatism in the research process, especially qualitative research on NGO processes. It explores how these principles can be used throughout the research process to guide the design, data collection, analysis and dissemination of results. The resulting discussion and examples highlight the value of using a pragmatist framework to navigate qualitative applied social research on NGO processes.