Fitting oval pegs into round holes - Tensions in evaluating and publishing qualitative research in top-tier North American journals

A study of qualitative researchers who have submitted and/or published their research in top-tier North American organizational and management journals reveals the evaluative criteria-in-use at these journals. Specifically, when asked to take the perspective of an (a) author, (b) evaluator (reviewer or editor), and (c) judge of the comparisons between qualitative and quantitative research, three publication tensions were evident. The author offers the metaphor of fitting a round peg into an oval hole as a means of capturing these tensions and as a vehicle for organizing the various ways these tensions can be managed.