The Use of Focused Conversation in Qualitative Research: A Systematic Review of ORID and DEAL Models in Business Management, Accounting and Organizational Studies

Focused conversation has emerged as a structured yet flexible qualitative data collection method, particularly through the application of the ORID (Objective, Reflective, Interpretive, Decisional) and DEAL (Describe, Examine, Articulate Learning) models. This systematic review synthesizes 60 empirical studies published between 2010 and 2024 that employed these frameworks within business, management, and accounting research. Using a PRISMA-informed qualitative synthesis approach, the review examines patterns in methodological design, facilitation processes, data richness, and analytic integration. Findings reveal that ORID is predominantly used in organizational and management contexts to facilitate decision-oriented dialogue and collective sense-making, while DEAL is more commonly applied in professional development and accounting education to support reflective learning and ethical reasoning. Hybrid applications demonstrate increasing methodological innovation, particularly in leadership development and strategic management studies. However, challenges such as inconsistent model fidelity and limited reporting of facilitator positionality persist. The review contributes to methodological advancement by proposing integrative frameworks and highlighting the role of structured dialogue in enhancing qualitative rigor in business research.