Qualitative Comparative Analysis and Strategic Management Research: Current State and Future Prospects

Abstract

Purpose – This chapter examines the potential of qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) for strategy research.

Methodology/approach – We introduce the set-theoretic framework of QCA and provide an overview of recent methodological developments.

Findings – We utilize a variety of examples relevant to strategy research to illustrate the action steps and key concepts involved in conducting a QCA study.

Originality/value of paper – We develop examples from core research areas in strategic management to illustrate QCA's potential for examining issues of causality and diversity in strategy research, and in settings involving medium-N samples. We conclude by emphasizing that QCA offers an alternative mode of inquiry to open and redirect important lines of strategy research.

Citation

Greckhamer, T. and Mossholder, K.W. (2011), "Qualitative Comparative Analysis and Strategic Management Research: Current State and Future Prospects", Bergh, D.D. and Ketchen, D.J. (Ed.) Building Methodological Bridges (Research Methodology in Strategy and Management, Vol. 6), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 259-288. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-8387(2011)0000006010