The role of commercial qualitative research is to help guide client decision making. Its purpose - and the way in which it is evaluated - is primarily determined by its perceived usefulness. Until recently, there has been little focus on the theoretical underpinnings of qualitative practice. This has encouraged the development of conflicting paradigms; an unquestioned 'positivism' sitting alongside 'inter­pretivist' approaches. Arguably this has caused confusion and has limited the influence of commercial qualitative research at senior levels in organisations. ...