Collective Autoethnography in Critical Management Studies: Investigating Neoliberal Universities, Academic Work and Identities Through Researcher Reflexivity

This case study explores the use of collective autoethnography to examine relational care in academic work, particularly within the context of neoliberal performance culture during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is based on a collaborative research project in which the authors of the research project, as both researchers and informants, reflected on their lived experience to co-construct alternative ways of working. This case study underscores the benefits of collective autoethnography in creating flexible, supportive research spaces that foster authentic sharing and collective meaning-making. It also discusses key methodological challenges, including managing fluctuating participation, navigating work intensity, and balancing the collective and individual voice. Readers will gain practical insights into the application of collective autoethnography as a powerful methodological tool for examining organizational phenomena from an insider perspective, such as planning for changing engagement level, building adaptable writing structure, and integrating emotional support into collaborative processes.