Contextualisation

Pilvikki Lantela

Chapter 29 in Elgar Encyclopedia of Historical Organisation Studies, 2026, pp 104-107 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Contextualisation is a fundamental element of historical research. It means locating the subject or object of the study and the related sources in their historical context in their respective time, place and culture. Contextualisation is closely linked with hermeneutic interpretation, in which the reader aims to understand the meaning of the sources in their own terms. Two examples of such contextualisation in historical organisation studies (HOS) are provided: McKinlay (2013) and Gibbs et al. (2025). Further, contextualisation is also about contextualising the sources used, choosing context regarding the research question and theoretical approach, and about understanding that the researcher is one context for the study as well. Thus, contextualisation is never given, but it is always a choice and construction of the researcher.

Keywords: Context; Historical sources; Hermeneutics; Temporality; Culture (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035332922
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