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Learning by doing: six dimensions of complexity in researching SMEs

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  • Kate Lewis
  • Claire Massey
  • Candice Harris

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Kate Lewis & Claire Massey & Candice Harris, 2007. "Learning by doing: six dimensions of complexity in researching SMEs," Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 4(2), pages 151-163, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:qrampp:v:4:y:2007:i:2:p:151-163
    DOI: 10.1108/11766090710754213
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Robert Stebbins, 1992. "Concatenated exploration: notes on a neglected type of longitudinal research," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 26(4), pages 435-442, November.
    2. Magala, S.J., 2000. "Critical Complexities, (from marginal paradigms to learning networks)," ERIM Report Series Research in Management ERS-2000-02-ORG, Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM), ERIM is the joint research institute of the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University and the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) at Erasmus University Rotterdam.
    3. Rick Newby & John Watson & David Woodliff, 2003. "SME Survey Methodology: Response Rates, Data Quality, and Cost Effectiveness," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 28(2), pages 163-172, March.
    4. Lichtenstein, Benyamin B. & Carter, Nancy M. & Dooley, Kevin J. & Gartner, William B., 2007. "Complexity dynamics of nascent entrepreneurship," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 22(2), pages 236-261, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Abdel K. Halabi & Rowena Barrett & Robyn Dyt, 2010. "Understanding financial information used to assess small firm performance," Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 7(2), pages 163-179, June.
    2. Kirkwood, Jodyanne & Gray, Brendan, 2009. "From entrepreneur to mayor: Assessing the impact of the founder’s changing reputation on Hubbard Foods Ltd," Australasian marketing journal, Elsevier, vol. 17(2), pages 115-124.
    3. Sefiani, Yassine & Davies, Barry & Bown, Robin & Kite, Neilson, 2016. "The interface of networking and 'wasta' in an Arabic context," MPRA Paper 71889, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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