Exploring ‘dark topics’ in organisational research

Researching sensitive organisational phenomena, such as the Normalisation of Deviance (NoD), presents significant methodological and ethical challenges. This chapter explores the research process behind investigating NoD in project-based organisations, detailing how the study was framed, data were collected, and findings were analysed. Using a qualitative approach, the research gathered narratives from industry professionals to uncover how deviant behaviours become embedded within workplace culture. The study highlights the complexities of researching topics that organisations may be reluctant to acknowledge, including securing participant trust, ensuring confidentiality, and addressing biases in data interpretation. Additionally, it examines the challenges of navigating peer review, particularly when theoretical frameworks are contested. The research process required iterative refinement, balancing methodological rigour with practical constraints. By reflecting on these challenges, this study offers valuable insights into the intricacies of investigating sensitive topics and advancing scholarly discourse on organisational misbehaviour.