“Insider accounts”: a qualitative research method for small firms
Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development
ISSN: 1462-6004
Article publication date: 27 February 2007
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research is to present a detailed description of the qualitative research method adopted by the author in his doctoral research into the investment decision‐making process in small manufacturing enterprises; and to inform small firm researchers generally, particularly those who may be considering the use of a qualitative research methodology for the first time in the study of processes of decision‐making.
Design/methodology/approach
“Insider accounts” is an innovative qualitative methodology, which involves in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews and direct observation, conducted longitudinally in a case study approach. It is a research method, which includes detailed accounts from the actors themselves, incorporating the actual motives and behaviour of owner‐managers. It is based on a philosophy that the “objects” studied are in fact “subjects”, producing accounts of their world.
Findings
The finding in the study for which this methodology was used is that owner‐managers predominantly use “bootstrapping” techniques for their investment appraisal rather than the more formal methods suggested in the financial management literature. So‐called “objective” studies of decision‐making process using questionnaires and positivist‐type approaches, do little to help to answer the basic questions relating to how and why decisions are taken. Without answering these questions it is impossible to recommend how practices can become more effective.
Research limitations/implications
The study is limited to the extent to which it can be generalised to a wider population of small firms.
Originality/value
The paper presents a detailed description of a qualitative research method, “insider accounts”.
Keywords
Citation
Ekanem, I. (2007), "“Insider accounts”: a qualitative research method for small firms", Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, Vol. 14 No. 1, pp. 105-117. https://doi.org/10.1108/14626000710727926
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited