Ethnography at Work follows the experiences of the author as a participant
observer in the day-to-day running of a Japanese advertising agency. The book
reveals the intricate behind-the-scenes planning, discussion, negotiations and
strategies needed to ensure that the agency's presentation to a potential client
will be preferred over that of a rival firm. The book shows how detailed
ethnography can lead to an understanding of numerous different, but
interlocking, theoretical issues. It demonstrates how ethnography can travel
beyond the academic realm and be used by business personnel to heighten their
understanding of their companies' organizational structures, strategies and
daily work practices. Asking crucial questions about the role of