Studying leadership: an eclectic approach to qualitative data collection and analysis

PurposeThis paper describes the approach to studying leadership within the interpretive paradigm that the author undertook for their doctoral research.Design/methodology/approachFor the study, qualitative data were collected via in-depth interviews and the researcher's systematic reflections. The analytical process consisted of database design and management followed by cyclical interview and cross-interview analyses and integration of the researcher's reflections.FindingsThe paper showed that integrating various qualitative methods in pragmatic ways that better align with the research scope, along with a systematic approach to studying complex phenomena—such as leadership—generated richer and more cohesive perspectives.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper provides a detailed account of how the qualitative data collection and analysis methods were used, which could be replicated or adapted for future research within the interpretive paradigm.Practical implicationsThe paper helps students and junior researchers make sense of qualitative data analysis and interpretation by offering practical tools to tackle the diverse processes of qualitative research.Originality/valueThis paper is based on the Author's doctoral research, recording their experience with engaging in qualitative research.