In this paper I, first, provide an empirical case study of preparations for the forthcoming Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) as a lived experience from the viewpoint of a researcher in Human Resource Management (HRM) at a quality management research department. Second, I surface some issues involved in research methodology that arise from these preparations, namely on the nature of reality (what is seen as ‘quality’ research in HRM), relationships between the knower and known (the role of personal bias and gatekeepers in the process), and the role of values (as a determinant of both research quality and personal bias). Lastly, I make a case for reform of how research quality is both defined and assessed by stakeholders in HRM in future (in terms of validity and reliability). This includes the need for greater transparency, clear criteria of assessment, and the inclusion of all people management stakeholders in the assessment process. (BAM-10151)
