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Qualitative comparative analysis: justifying a neo-configurational approach in management research

Author

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  • Tobias Coutinho Parente
  • Ryan Federo

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to critically reflect and offer insights on how to justify the use of qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) as a research method for understanding the complexity of organizational phenomena, by applying the principles of the neo-configurational approach. Design/methodology/approach - We present and critically examine three arguments regarding the use of QCA for management research. First, they discuss the need to assume configurational theories to build and empirically test a causal model of interest. Second, we explain how the three principles of causal complexity are assumed during the process of conducting QCA-based studies. Third, we elaborate on the importance of case knowledge when selecting the data for the analysis and when interpreting the results. Findings - We argue that it is important to reflect on these arguments to have an appropriate research design. In the true spirit of the configurational approach, we contend that the three arguments presented are necessary; however, each argument is insufficient to warrant a QCA research design. Originality/value - This paper contributes to management research by offering key arguments on how to justify the use of QCA-based studies in future research endeavors.

Suggested Citation

  • Tobias Coutinho Parente & Ryan Federo, 2019. "Qualitative comparative analysis: justifying a neo-configurational approach in management research," RAUSP Management Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 54(4), pages 399-412, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:rauspp:rausp-05-2019-0089
    DOI: 10.1108/RAUSP-05-2019-0089
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Chaterina Agusta Paulus & Akhmad Fauzi & Damianus Adar, 2023. "Analyzing Community Perception of Protected Areas to Effectively Mitigate Environmental Risks Using Qualitative Comparative Analysis: The Case of Savu Sea National Marine Park, East Nusa Tenggara, Ind," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(23), pages 1-18, December.
    2. Joan Freixanet & Ryan Federo, 2022. "When Born Globals Grow Up: A Review and Agenda for Research on the Performance of Maturing Early Internationalizers," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 62(6), pages 817-857, December.
    3. Yang Zhang & Changqi Dong, 2024. "Sustainable Development of Digital Cultural Heritage: A Hybrid Analysis of Crowdsourcing Projects Using fsQCA and System Dynamics," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-27, September.
    4. Ryan Federo & Angel Saz-Carranza & Xavier Fernandez-í-Marin & Carlos Losada, 2023. "CEO selection in intergovernmental organizations: the clash between control and efficiency in governance," Journal of Management & Governance, Springer;Accademia Italiana di Economia Aziendale (AIDEA), vol. 27(1), pages 155-180, March.

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