“Mischief Unmanaged”: Approaching Ethics in Qualitative Business and Management Research With Harry Potter

Abstract

With the help of an excerpt from J. K. Rowling’s novel Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, this case introduces students to ethical considerations in qualitative business and management research. In particular, it examines ethics in the context of qualitative data collection. In the excerpt, Rita Skeeter, the reporter of the wizard newspaper Daily Prophet interviews Harry Potter, a Triwizard Tournament champion. Using the Harry Potter story as a background, the case explores the ethical considerations and perspectives involved, and the role of reflexivity. Subsequently, students choose an ethical perspective and deliberate on the ethical considerations involved in a business scenario.

This case was prepared for inclusion in Sage Business Cases primarily as a basis for classroom discussion or self-study, and is not meant to illustrate either effective or ineffective management styles. Nothing herein shall be deemed to be an endorsement of any kind. This case is for scholarly, educational, or personal use only within your university, and cannot be forwarded outside the university or used for other commercial purposes.

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