Insights and Strategies for Real-World Impact
Consulting for research teams, businesses, and organizations
About Us
At Applied Ethnographic Services, we provide deep, contextual, and actionable insights into the human dimensions of your research or organization.
Our tailored recommendations and practical strategies inform decision-making, problem-solving, and cultural transformation.
Whether you are a research team seeking to deepen your understanding of human behavior or an organization aiming to transform workplace culture, we deliver research-based insights that drive real-world impact.
People often ask me how an anthropological perspective and ethnographic toolkit might help their business, organization, or research team. I say:
“If humans are involved, we can help.”
Ryan T. Klataske, PhD, founder and principal, Applied Ethnographic Services
Our Value
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Research Teams
With expertise and experience in cultural anthropology, ethnography, interdisciplinary collaboration, and international, cross-cultural, and applied research, we address the need for deeper understanding of lived experiences, perspectives, motivations, decision-making, and needs of communities.
Through immersive and interactive research, our partnerships with diverse teams contribute valuable insights into the cultural and complex human dimensions of research problems.
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Organizations
By exploring the cultural dynamics underlying organizational challenges, we help businesses and organizations achieve their goals more effectively by better understanding employees, members, customers, and the communities they care about.
We tackle complex issues related to workplace culture and organizational performance including safety, communication, collaboration, engagement, and turnover.
Our research-based insights and tailored recommendations support strategic decision-making, problem-solving, and change initiatives.
Our Services
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Customizable Ethnographic Research & Assessments
Enhance your research with our specialized expertise. We collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams to provide deep ethnographic insights that enrich your projects.
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Organizational Consulting
Transform your workplace with strategies grounded in rigorous ethnographic research. We help you create a thriving, engaged, and safe work environment.
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Work Culture Assessments
Comprehensive ethnographic evaluations of workplace culture, offering deep insights and tailored recommendations to improve employee engagement, safety, retention, and other areas of performance, with practical strategies for cultural transformation.
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Training for Teams, Businesses, and Organizations
Equipping your team with the knowledge and skills to understand and address cultural dynamics effectively.
Why Choose Us?
Expertise and Experience
Deep Actionable Insights
Research-based Strategies
Tailored Recommendations
Real-World Impact
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PhD from Michigan State University in anthropology with doctoral specialization in environmental science and policy
Research and work experience related to agriculture and food production, safety and health, work culture, labor and immigration, wildlife conservation and resource management, tourism, grasslands, and rural communities, along with diverse people including farmers and ranchers, agricultural workers, meat processing workers, business and civic leaders, rural community members, and many others.
Co-owner of Ancient Ocean Beef Co.
Affiliate Fellow, Center for Great Plains Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Adjunct professor in the Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center
Taught cultural, applied, and engaged anthropology at Kansas State University
Worked for grassroots prairie conservation organization
Serves on boards related to beef sustainability research and environmental eduction