Tools of Inquiry part 6 - 6a and b

As the tools of inquiry cover many aspects of academic work I have chosen suggestion 5

Looking at documents.

I feel this is the most relevant to my practice at this time as I do need to carry out comprehensive research to ensure I source the most significant document/literature for my field of inquiry.

I am discussing with my SIG groups the most effective way to source information that is relevant to us.

I have chosen

1 Looking at documents (to ensure I have chose the right subject matter).

The other three tools of inquiry that I will discuss to aid me find about my inquiry are -

2 Pilot observation (to ensure I am able to move forward to a conclusion with my findings).

3 Survey/questionaires (with a limited number of participants, who will be carefully chosen to reflect a broad spectrum of industry professionals opinions). I intend to ask general questions first in a questionnaire and then ask them to read research and data relevant to the subject supplied by me.

4 Interviews - to see how the information/statistics/data supplied after the questionaires may have changed their opinions and if so why?

I am also working as a insider researcher in my inquiry as the subject affects my own practice. Being neutral and non-biased is a prerequisite in performance arts as we are a creative community
that supports diversity and opportunity. Or are we? The merits and limitations of my documents will unfold as I beginning researching in more depth with counter arguments and by identifying over arching principles and theories relevant to my Inquiry and professional practice.

Ethics (Community, Codes of Practice and Framework) Tasks A, B and C

Task 5a asks us to consider the ethics that are found in our place of work and professional community

and to do this without referencing literature or asking a fellow professionals to comment.

Also noting the codes of practice/regulations relevant to our practice.

Task 5b then goes on to ask us to find out the regulations/codes of practice within the work place

framework with reference to ethics and to blog to see how different our initial  thoughts were to

what we have now learnt.

Task C concerns what I have learnt that fits into my theoretical ethical framework and how it fits in with the ethics of my professional inquiry.

5 a Ethics and regulations and codes within in the workplace - Intital thoughts

1 To do no harm.

2 To protect all and any particular in a minority/individual or groups that may need additional assistance.

3 To not discriminate in any way be it gender, age, religion etc.

4 To treat all equally.

5 To approach all discussions through the correct channels to allow mediation and to ensure misunderstandings do not occur.

6 To follow correct procedures to protect against harm (health and safety.) Full training needs to be given. Working conditions need to be suitable. For examples reasonable breaks from work and comfortable temperatures.

7 To act in a professional manner using a framework under-pinning ethical conduct.


5b Codes of Practice/regulations that steer ethical framework.

Statutory sources/Legislation.

I am a long-standing member of Equity.
Equity is the UK trade union for professional performers and creative practitioners They are a leading industry organisation and are respected nationally and internationally for the work done on behalf of their members. Equity members form a cultural community  (website).

In theatre the interpretation of "workplace" is a "place of entertainment" and work can either be as an employee or as a self-employed person.

Within all organisation they are codes of conduct that need to be observed particularly when there people are involved.

I don't believe that the performance community differs greatly in need from any other work community but may be open to abuse as much of the work is transitory and may be self-generated.

Data protection (protecting information) and checks to confirm suitability to work with minors are ways in which we protect vulnerable individuals.

It is important to be socially inclusive and  non-judgemental in our professional lives.


The BACP (British Association for Conselling and Psychotherapy) has an informative website which
discusses ethical values. It promotes respect, alleviating stressful situations, integrity of relationships and enhancing professional understanding. Part of its mission statement concerning ethics states it aims to promote social diversity, quality and inclusivity of treatment without discrimination of any kind.

My initial research has not uncovered anything that is different from my thoughts and assumptions but I am sure this will change as I continue researching and developing and exploring ideas.

I am learning as I work that the ethics of professional inquiry is a far reaching subject that has great significance to all that it involves and must be treated with respect. This does fit in with the ethical framework that I have always abided by and will continue to expand upon as my practice develops.