Learning by doing: six dimensions of complexity in researching SMEs

Kate Lewis, Claire Massey and Candice Harris

Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management, 2007, vol. 4, issue 2, 151-163

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.

Keywords: Small to medium‐sized enterprises; Research methods; New Zealand (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2007
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:qrampp:v:4:y:2007:i:2:p:151-163

DOI: 10.1108/11766090710754213

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