In search of inhospitable knowledge

Abstract

The aim of this article is to discuss the key issues which have had significant influence on a PhD research student journey from positivism to interpretivism and the subsequent impact on the research methodology adopted. This journey is illustrated through 1) briefly analysing and reflecting upon the nature of relevant accumulated knowledge in the fields of hospitality, tourism and entrepreneurship fields; 2) critically analysing the impact of social setting on entrepreneurial behaviours and attitude; and 3) reflecting upon how the two previous points influence researcher behaviour and methodological design. Drawing upon research undertaken within the Dalmatia region of Croatia, a former socialist country, the contextual focus is small hotel owners within the hospitality industry. The article is loosely framed within a hospitality analytical lens and furthers debate on the nature of academic hospitality (Phipps and Barnett 2007) as well as proposing steps to welcome inhospitable knowledge.