Strategic Decision-Making Research in New Settings: The Role of the Two-Stage Multi-Method Field Study in Sampling and Questionnaire Design

Abstract

A research design is the framework which researchers plan for use as a guide in collecting, analyzing, and completing their research. The function of a research design is to ensure that the evidence obtained enables us to answer the research questions in a convincing way. When little is known about the research setting, as in the case of Egypt, where the present study is set, exploratory research can be seen as the foundation for a good study. This kind of research can help, for example, to determine the practical problems of carrying out the study, establish priorities for the following stage, operationalize the study constructs, and develop hypotheses for more precise investigation. Using data from 305 questionnaires as well as 36 personal interviews concerning the antecedents and outcomes of strategic decision-making, I will address in this case the role of the two-stage multi-method design in deciding several methodological issues. These issues concern both sampling design (namely, the target population, type of sample, and relevant respondents) and questionnaire development (namely, the degree of disguise, questionnaire length, translation, order of questions, the number of Likert-type scale items, and administering the questionnaire). The conclusion of this case is discussed and the forthcoming cases are highlighted.