Elements of bureaucracy: personal reflections on "going with the process" in Ethiopia. Issue 2 (17th February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jackson, Ruth
• Is Part Of: Development in practice. Volume 31:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 268
• Page End: 274
• Publication Date: 2021-02-17
• Subjects: Governance and public policy -- Methods -- Aid – Development policies -- Sub-Saharan Africa; Technical assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Economic assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; 338.91091724
• DOI: 10.1080/09614524.2020.1832048
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0961-4524

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Qualitative research is not just the study of words and meaning: researchers should also provide a critical reflection on theoretical or practical problems in the research process. This practical note is a reflexive account of some the author's personal experiences learning about bureaucratic process in Ethiopia. From opening a bank account as an "authentic" way to access money in 2007, to describing how to get a single document authenticated for a work permit ten years later, the author explores how bureaucratic encounters can become a meaningful and joyful way to interact with people met along the way.