Leaving our comfort zone: Integrating established practices with unique adaptations to conduct survey‐based strategy research in nontraditional contexts

Abstract

Accepted practices for survey research in medium and large firms in developed economies are well established. However, as scholars explore fine‐grained phenomena in nontraditional contexts, sampling, survey design, and administration tasks may need adjusting. Through three case studies and an analysis of a decade of published work, we find that sample frame creation and survey administration require the greatest degree of adaptation, while survey instrument creation most closely follows established practices. We recommend using context‐specific sampling frames and administration techniques, though established survey instruments and scales may be used. The conclusions highlight the importance of overlaying unique adaptations onto established practices to achieve acceptable response rates, obtain accurate and robust data, and provide the basis for subsequent meaningful analysis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Determinants of voluntary environmental management practices by MNE subsidiaries

“…After one reminder, a total of 211 questionnaires were returned, of which 193 were usable (the remaining 18 were excluded due to missing data). This represents an effective response rate of 19.3%, which is considered satisfactory and also comparable to response rates of studies in similar geographical contexts, given the nature of the study and the type of potential respondent (Kriauciunas et al, 2011). A test for non-response bias for the mail survey was conducted by comparing the first wave of survey responses to the last wave of survey responses (Armstrong & Overton, 1977).…”

A Longitudinal Study of the Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Firm Performance in SMEs in Zambia

“…For this reason, we relied on convenience sampling for the subsequent fieldwork to increase the number of survey participants. Kriauciunas, Parmigiani, and Rivera-Santos [80] acknowledged the difficulties of data collection in developing countries that arise from unreliable databases. Thus, they recommend that the sampling framework and survey administration techniques should be adapted to the context of study.…”

Factors Influencing the Identification of Sustainable Opportunities by SMEs: Empirical Evidence from Zambia

“…We assured geographical representation of the sample by selecting firms located in different towns. Previous studies have encountered similar difficulties in collecting data in developing countries, and therefore Kriauciunas et al [79] recommend that the sampling frame and the survey administration techniques need to be context-specific. Hence, also face-to-face questioning, emailing and dropping off questionnaires and picking up were used.…”