Abstract
This paper discusses the relevance of the discourse-based
interview (DBI) for holistic research and access to more layers of
meaning in the study of complex phenomena. We draw on our own work in
workplace discourse and relevant research from different linguistic
traditions, particularly sociolinguistic inquiry. We reflect on the
potential of DBI for enhancing reflexivity and enabling the
researcher and participant to co-create the research problem. We
reposition ‘the interview’ from a tool for collecting
self-reported data to a process of negotiation which allows for
multiple and alternative readings of the researcher’s findings. We
close the paper with a model and set of principles that expend the
current framing of DBI and we provide directions for future research.