To discard or to ado(a)pt? Looking at qualitative research templates through the lens of organizational routines

Purpose Many management scholars view templates as rigid rulebooks suffocating qualitative research. This viewpoint article recommends that, instead, should be viewed through the lens of organizational routines. Design/methodology/approach To facilitate this viewpoint, first clarifies confusions surrounding templates. It points out that how using templates, like following routines in an organization, constitutes three parts - artifact, ostensive and performative; latter two being often neglected by template critics. The use is encouraged discussing learning advantages for novice researchers, autoethnographic note narrating author’s own research teaching experiences. Findings deliberates upon criticisms against then discusses a perspective offered Thereafter, discussed, with help examples from published reports. Finally, explains way reflexively detailing Originality/value In its entirety, submits artifacts performative engagements template-users must co-exist co-creating excellent