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Ethnographic Insights Lab
- What we do
The Ethnographic Insights Lab (EI-Lab) provides rigorous social scientific understanding of human and organizational behaviour to develop human-centred solutions to complex challenges for a range of clients across government, industry, and public health.
We embed teams of distinguished researchers from UCL’s world-class Anthropology department within organizations to observe, participate, facilitate, and co-produce knowledge. Our cutting-edge anthropological methods deliver the profound organizational self-awareness that enables resilience, innovation, and sustainable growth.
- Why work with us
If you want a robust understanding of a hard-to-reach or hard-to-talk-about yet modifiable dimension of workforce or community culture—from glass ceilings and EDI issues to employee turnover, burnout, and motivation—the best tool you can use is ethnography.
Ethnography comes from anthropology and uses theory, observation, and what we call deep listening to understand the parts of human experience that are rarely vocalized explicitly, clearly, or holistically. Using ethnography, we tackle real-world problems and inform business-critical decisions that are multifaceted and only poorly captured by questionnaires or occupational surveys.
Our embedded researchers will work closely with your organization to develop a deep understanding of your organization’s internal dynamics and to co-develop recommendations that facilitate critical reflection, enabling informed decisions and transformative solutions.
Tackling real-world problems Informing business-critical decisions Preparing Londoners for heatwaves Ethical protocols for AI developers Preventing NHS burn-out by building workplace wellbeing Reimagining the office: Designing healthy work environments that don’t waste space Bridging Opportunity Gaps in Hackney Unlocking the Secrets of Remote Work Sounds of the city: Mapping noise pollution in London Building belonging in international 100,000+ companies - Our approach
The EI-Lab assembles a dedicated team of experienced anthropologists led by a principal investigator and supported by an expert advisory board. With decades of collective anthropological experience, our deep-seated commitment to ethnography allows us to transcend superficial surveys, delving into the moral values and human actions that matter most to our clients.
Ethnography combines cutting-edge social scientific theory and participant observation—spending extended time with interlocuters to practice "ethnographic deep listening" and "reflexive sensemaking," embodied methodologies that render visible the hidden social forces operating within organizations.
Immersed in workplaces and communities, we craft vivid “ethnographic personas,” encapsulating the diverse experiences of clients, staff and stakeholders. These personas serve as catalysts for dialogue, breaking down assumptions and fostering collaboration within organizations.
Harnessing social scientific theory, we decipher disjoints between employers’ decision-making foundations and the perspectives of their stakeholders, bringing to light unseen divergences, dismantling obstacles, and fostering mutual understanding.
- Embark on a journey with EI-Lab
Collaborate with EIL to redefine understanding within your organization. Experience the power of ethnographic insights, illuminating your path forward with clarity and purpose, through our range of consultancies and continuing professional development.
Contact Dr Caroline M. Parker for more information.
