A Detailed Guide on Converting Qualitative Data into Quantitative Entrepreneurial Skills Survey Instrument

Q3 Business, Management and Accounting

Electronic Journal of Business Research Methods Pub Date : 2019-09-01 DOI:10.34190/JBRM.17.3.001

M. Rich, Ann Brown, A. Banerjee

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引用次数: 2

Abstract

Mixed‑methods research designs are increasingly popular, especially in the management domain because they hold the potential to offset the weaknesses inherent in mono‑method, qualitative or quantitative designs. In entrepreneurship research, the domain in which this study is located, mixed‑method studies are conducted mostly according to a sequential‑exploratory design with an aim of developing and validating theory in a single research study. In some studies, the qualitative phase is used to develop a questionnaire, which is more common. However, the actual process of converting qualitative data into operationalised constructs and survey items is usually not clearly articulated. This creates an opportunity to contribute to a better understanding of the process of transitioning from a qualitative to a quantitative study. This paper proposes such an approach, using an example of a study of the skills entrepreneurs use to start and run their businesses. In the qualitative phase, interviews were conducted with 20 entrepreneurs and 6 national experts to discover the skills required by entrepreneurs to start and manage their businesses. Data analysis, using computer assisted qualitative data analysis software, resulted in nine groups of skills considered important in performing entrepreneurial activities. Based on qualitative analysis, the study provides a detailed account of the process of converting qualitative data into a quantitative survey questionnaire, which will enhance the effectiveness of mixed‑methods designs. The developed entrepreneurial skills questionnaire was tested and validated on a sample of 235 entrepreneurs. The article concludes with implications for mixed‑methods researchers who want to develop new instruments, and scholars conducting research on entrepreneurial skills.

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将定性数据转化为定量创业技能调查工具的详细指南

混合方法研究设计越来越受欢迎，特别是在管理领域，因为它们有可能抵消单一方法、定性或定量设计固有的弱点。在本研究所在的创业研究领域，混合方法研究主要是根据顺序探索性设计进行的，目的是在单一研究中发展和验证理论。在一些研究中，定性阶段用于制定问卷，这是更常见的。然而，将定性数据转换为可操作的结构和调查项目的实际过程通常没有清楚地阐明。这为更好地理解从定性研究向定量研究过渡的过程提供了机会。本文提出了这样一种方法，并以企业家创业和经营企业的技能研究为例。在定性阶段，对20名企业家和6名国家专家进行了访谈，以发现企业家开办和管理企业所需的技能。利用计算机辅助的定性数据分析软件进行数据分析，得出了九组被认为对开展企业活动很重要的技能。在定性分析的基础上，本研究详细介绍了将定性数据转化为定量调查问卷的过程，这将提高混合方法设计的有效性。开发的创业技能问卷在235名企业家的样本上进行了测试和验证。文章最后对希望开发新工具的混合方法研究人员和从事创业技能研究的学者提出了启示。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Electronic Journal of Business Research Methods Business, Management and Accounting-Business and International Management

CiteScore

1.40

自引率

0.00%

发文量

审稿时长

26 weeks

期刊介绍： The Electronic Journal of Business Research Methods (EJBRM) provides perspectives on topics relevant to research methods applied in the field of business and management. Through its publication the journal contributes to the development of theory and practice. The journal accepts academically robust papers that contribute to the area of research methods applied in business and management research. Papers submitted to the journal are double-blind reviewed by members of the reviewer committee or other suitably qualified readers. The Editor reserves the right to reject papers that, in the view of the editorial board, are either of insufficient quality, or are not relevant enough to the subject area. The editor is happy to discuss contributions before submission. The journal publishes work in the categories described below. Research Papers: These may be qualitative or quantitative, empirical or theoretical in nature and can discuss completed research findings or work in progress. Case Studies: Case studies are welcomed illustrating business and management research methods in practise. View Points: View points are less academically rigorous articles usually in areas of controversy which will fuel some interesting debate. Conference Reports and Book Reviews: Anyone who attends a conference or reads a book that they feel contributes to the area of Business Research Methods is encouraged to submit a review for publication.