Gaining access: a cautionary tale from a Ph.D. student

Purpose This article has two main objectives: first, to analyze a novice’s researcher’s journey in overcoming the challenges of one of the most persistent obstacles in qualitative research – gaining access through gatekeepers – to obtain a nuanced understanding of this phenomenon; and second, to emphasize the practical value of autoethnography in capturing both individual and social dimensions of this process, enabling researchers to reflect on their fieldwork experiences. Design/methodology/approach This paper employs an autoethnographic approach grounded in sensemaking and reflexivity, drawing on the personal life experiences of a researcher who collected data for his dissertation involving informal entrepreneurs (IEs). Findings This research reveals that gaining access is not a straightforward process but rather an ongoing effort in which rapport, trust and reciprocity – along with persistent negotiations and a bit of luck – contribute to its success. Additionally, the innovative autoethnographic approach helps to adopt new lenses and perspectives on the personal, interpersonal and contextual influences that motivate the actions of both the researcher and the gatekeeper. Originality/value This study is valuable for novice researchers and the research practice itself, as it uncovers hidden dynamics and risks associated with accessing hard-to-reach populations. It enriches the literature in organization and management studies by providing a unique framework for navigating this complex process. Furthermore, it highlights the applications, strengths and challenges of the autoethnographic method.