Qualitative accounting research in the time of COVID-19 – changes, challenges and opportunities

Abstract

Purpose

COVID-19 restrictions have severely impacted access to the traditional data and data sources used by qualitative researchers. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the corresponding challenges and opportunities of conducting qualitative research in accounting.

Design/methodology/approach

This study highlights the opportunities opened up by the way the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting qualitative accounting research, discussing the most common qualitative accounting research methods, practices and techniques used during the different phases of research.

Findings

The COVID-19 pandemic is reshaping some of the traditional research methods, practices and techniques in qualitative accounting research. Particularly, academic researchers who are reluctant to use the new technologies need to adapt their research approach, deal with the new challenges and exploit the opportunities to conduct research in a COVID-19 environment. Some changes in research methods, practices and techniques will affect accounting research in the long term.

Research limitations/implications

This paper could be a valuable resource for qualitative accounting researchers.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first to focus on the changes, challenges and opportunities for conducting qualitative accounting research in a COVID-19 setting. As such, this paper could be a valuable resource for different types of qualitative accounting researchers, specifically the discussion of ways to deal with the changes and challenges, as well as the opportunities, as summarised in the table.

Citation

Molinari, M. and de Villiers, C. (2021), "Qualitative accounting research in the time of COVID-19 – changes, challenges and opportunities", Pacific Accounting Review, Vol. 33 No. 5, pp. 568-577. https://doi.org/10.1108/PAR-09-2020-0176