In this feature topic, we explore the burgeoning trend to employ templates in qualitative research. To understand authors’ motivations to use templates and perceptions regarding template use in the scholarly community, we conducted an interview study with 21 interviewees who had published qualitative research in one of nine premier management journals between 2014 and 2018. Our analysis identified four key tensions in template use: structure versus restriction, convention versus innovativeness, legitimization versus obscuration, and instrumentality versus craft. We discuss these tensions and their implications for the practice and evaluation of qualitative research. We then introduce the eight empirical papers included in this feature topic. Each of them addresses and explores specific aspects of the origins and limitations of template use, whilst providing insights and guidance for future qualitative research. We envisage this feature topic to be a catalyst for discourse amongst scholars, engaging with contemporary trends and tensions to pave new pathways that embrace the diversity and plurality of qualitative approaches.

在这个专题中，我们探讨了在定性研究中使用模板的新兴趋势。为了解作者使用模板的动机以及学术界对模板使用的看法，我们对 21 名受访者进行了访谈研究，他们在 2014 年至 2018 年间在九种主要管理期刊之一发表了定性研究。我们的分析确定了四个关键的紧张关系：模板使用：结构与限制、惯例与创新、合法化与模糊、工具与工艺。我们讨论了这些紧张局势及其对定性研究的实践和评估的影响。然后我们介绍了包含在这个专题中的八篇实证论文。他们每个人都解决并探索了模板使用的起源和局限性的特定方面，同时为未来的定性研究提供见解和指导。我们设想这个专题将成为学者之间讨论的催化剂，参与当代趋势和紧张局势，为拥抱多样性和多元化的定性方法铺平道路。