Methodological Problems Confronted When Conducting Management Research in China
Stening, Bruce Zhang, Marina
Stening, Bruce
Zhang, Marina
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Publication Type
Journal article
Editor
Supervisor
Publication Year
2007
Journal
International Journal of Cross Cultural Management
Book
Publication Volume
7
Publication Issue
1
Publication Begin page
121
Publication End page
142
Publication Number of pages
Collections
Abstract
This article addresses some fundamental methodological issues confronting management researchers undertaking research in China. Among other things, it considers the following: cultural factors that might impact on what is a researchable question; sampling issues; difficulties in developing valid research instruments; problems pertaining to data collection; and the challenges of data interpretation. While the issues are by no means unique to China, there are a number of matters that require special attention in the Chinese context. Failure to consider such methodological problems might potentially call into question the findings of otherwise important management studies. Specific recommendations are provided as to how these challenges can be successfully dealt with.