What is the topic of your research in OSIRIS?
I work on the OSIRIS-NAV project which is about how research is used in the Norwegian Labor and Welfare Administration (NAV). The aim of the project is to provide an empirical and conceptual basis for discussion and further work on the impact of research in the work inclusion policy field, and the project is well integrated with OSIRIS research in general.
Why does this particular topic interest you?
As an organizational sociologist, my research interest is within innovation, implementation and impact processes within complex organizations. NAV is a very exciting, complex and forward leaning organization to study. In addition, work inclusion is a solution to the grand challenge of health-related unemployment. Research and scientific knowledge are important for its development, implementation and success, and providing knowledge about how NAV can provide better work inclusion services is an inspiration to me.
How do you study it/what is your data material?
The research design is a case study with triangulation between interview data, document data and a questionnaire. Method selection is based on a qualitative and holistic approach where different views and perspectives each represent different parts of a larger picture and a more comprehensive understanding of the processes that take place. We have had the chance to meet a lot of knowledgeable and enthusiastic people in the work inclusion field during the project through seminars, workshops, meetings and interviews of leaders and employees at both the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs as well as the Directorate of Labour and welfare at various departments and levels.
Have you had any surprising findings or experiences so far?
A surprising finding initially was the extent to which NAV is actually focused and determined on basing their service development on research and collaborations with researchers. This is not obvious through media coverage and general opinions about NAV.
You are leaving OSIRIS soon. Where will you go next?
I will continue my work as Associate professor at the Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management at the Faculty of Economics and Management, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).
My workplace is at the NTNU Gjøvik campus and I can be reached at gry.c.l.hoiland@ntnu.no.