Trends

The Qualitative Strategist

In their provocative exploration of AI’s impact on qualitative research, Simon Chadwick and Kahren Kersten argue that automation is reshaping the researcher’s role from methodological executor to strategic partner. As AI takes over traditional analysis and enables “qual-at-scale,” they contend that human value now lies in empathy, interpretation, facilitation, and cross-functional translation—skills machines cannot replicate. Chadwick and Kersten argue this creates a massive opportunity for qualitative practitioners to become translators and activators. In the age of AI, researchers will no longer be valued for hours worked, but for the strategic impact they create. […]

From the Editor in Chief

From the Editor in Chief – Winter 2025

Current Editor-in-Chief of QRCA VIEWS magazine, Tamara Kenworthy, shares her thoughts on the publication’s transition to a fully digital-only platform beginning in 2026. After 24 years in print, this winter issue marks the end of an era—and the start of a more agile, expansive future. Kenworthy also announces her own transition into a new role as Publisher, with Dean Stephens stepping in as Editor-in-Chief and Robert Walker and Nick Wise becoming Managing Editors. The revamped digital VIEWS will officially launch at the 2026 QRCA Annual Conference in San Antonio. […]

Podcasts

VIEWS Podcasts: Beka Shea

Military veteran Beka Shea talks to Doug about her transition into corporate America where she helps teams understand the science of people in her behavioral analytics consulting work at Culture Index. […]

Toolbox

Journey Mapping That Drives Change: Best Practices for Qualitative Researchers

In a world where tight budgets and shrinking teams demand that research do more than enlighten—it must activate—this article reveals how journey mapping can transform insights into real organizational impact. Moving beyond pretty deliverables, it shows researchers how to use journey mapping as a collaborative, insight-driven process that aligns cross-functional partners, sharpens focus, and integrates seamlessly into decision-making. Through practical frameworks, examples, and lessons learned from more than 100 practitioners, the article demystifies what makes a journey map truly high-impact—and why the way you create it matters more than how it looks. For researchers hungry to see their work spark action rather than sit on a shelf, this piece is both a roadmap and a call to arms. […]

Spanish Translations

Co-Moderando el Futuro: Adoptar la IA sin perder la chispa humana

En este artículo oportuno y revelador, Lauren McCluskey comparte su experiencia personal al adentrarse en la moderación con IA, detonada por una sorpresiva solicitud de un cliente que llegó mientras estaba en una pista de esquí. Con una mezcla única de reflexión personal y orientación práctica, desglosa dónde las herramientas de IA pueden potenciar la investigación cualitativa y dónde los moderadores humanos siguen siendo esenciales. Los lectores obtendrán un marco claro para evaluar plataformas de IA, ejemplos reales de uso híbrido y una hoja de ruta para mantenerse relevantes en un panorama en evolución. Ya seas curioso, cauteloso o entusiasta de la IA, este artículo es lectura obligada para investigadores cualitativos que navegan el futuro de la co-moderación con IA. […]

Book Reviews

Speakership is Leadership: A Guide for Sudden Leaders Who Need to Lead with Their Words. Yesterday.

Margaret Watts Romney, author of Speakership is Leadership, takes you on a journey to uncover the truth behind your “speakership,” which goes beyond public speaking to embrace a holistic approach, as you guide others with your words. In the book, she describes the tools and insights required for speakership, including how to prepare for public speaking and how to understand your voice and body and the signals they give during moments of speakership. […]