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Learning by doing: six dimensions of complexity in researching SMEs

Learning by doing: six dimensions of complexity in researching SMEs Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to present practical methodological insights into doing research with the owner‐managers of small and medium enterprises. Design/methodology/approach – Practical methodological lessons are reported from a project involving interviews with owner‐managers of a set of 50 firms recruited from a random sample of 500 New Zealand “manufacturing” or “service” firms employing 5‐50 full‐time staff. Findings – The experiences of the project team were reflected on, refined, and presented as six practical “lessons” to be considered by others contemplating engaging with SMEs to achieve a research objective. Research limitations/implications – The findings are subjective (in that, they are the opinions and experiences of the researchers involved) and are derived from a specific context (the SME sector in New Zealand). Originality/value – The paper contributes to the small, but growing, body of literature that specifically deals with “good practice” research methodology in relation to small firms. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management Emerald Publishing

Learning by doing: six dimensions of complexity in researching SMEs

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References (18)

Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © 2007 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.
ISSN
1176-6093
DOI
10.1108/11766090710754213
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to present practical methodological insights into doing research with the owner‐managers of small and medium enterprises. Design/methodology/approach – Practical methodological lessons are reported from a project involving interviews with owner‐managers of a set of 50 firms recruited from a random sample of 500 New Zealand “manufacturing” or “service” firms employing 5‐50 full‐time staff. Findings – The experiences of the project team were reflected on, refined, and presented as six practical “lessons” to be considered by others contemplating engaging with SMEs to achieve a research objective. Research limitations/implications – The findings are subjective (in that, they are the opinions and experiences of the researchers involved) and are derived from a specific context (the SME sector in New Zealand). Originality/value – The paper contributes to the small, but growing, body of literature that specifically deals with “good practice” research methodology in relation to small firms.

Journal

Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management – Emerald Publishing

Published: Jun 12, 2007

Keywords: Small to medium‐sized enterprises; Research methods; New Zealand

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