Failing forward: the transformative power of writing in interdisciplinary ethnographic research

Purpose To address complex societal challenges, particularly in the context of climate change, there is a growing interest in employing interdisciplinary ethnographic research (IER). This paper examines the experiences associated with participating in IER, drawing insights from a collaboration project that integrates organization studies with energy management research. Design/methodology/approach Within the context of a three-year interdisciplinary collaboration, the paper focuses on the performance of an interview and the analysis thereof. It draws from this example to highlight the difficulties in translating discipline-specific language and understanding failures in IER. Including an exploration of the process of recovery, involving analyzing research results and the subsequent collaborative writing of a paper. Findings The primary findings revolve around the challenges inherent in ethnography as an interdisciplinary method. These challenges include language barriers between disciplines and the complexities of comprehending and learning from failures in interdisciplinary research. Originality/value The contribution lies in its exploration of abductive reasoning in IER, shedding light on the complexities and opportunities associated with interdisciplinary collaboration in the making. By emphasizing the importance of going into the field before negotiating common ground, the approach presented provides a unique perspective that not only addresses challenges but also facilitates the development of involved disciplines and scholars through self-reflection. Highlights The paper shows the importance of both expertise and experience knowledge in interdisciplinary ethnographic research. By using different writing styles, the importance of language and translations between disciplines is exemplified. The paper provides an example of how to engage in abductive reasoning in interdisciplinary ethnographic research. The paper calls for a broad understanding of failure and success in interdisciplinary ethnographic research.