Abstract

The well-determined process of theoretical research has influenced the development of real-life practices and the execution of strategies. However, less well developed is our understanding of how real-life practices influence the way that research methods should and might be developed and conducted. What can researchers developing methodological design processes learn from tried and tested cases or emerging practices on global, national, and local scales? How does the research process interact with businesses and communities? What role do all types of stakeholders play in shaping research processes and practices? Have workable models been developed and put into practice?

The call for papers for this special issue invited research that explores all types of qualitative methods and practices, as well as quantitative approaches that complement qualitative research or support the qualitative bases of research. Academic and market research contains provisions and congruencies between exploratory and statistical methods because, in practice, research often combines both. This special issue aims to show how the research process fits into the greater business and community landscape. A great deal of theoretical work and empirical practice underpins the conceptual development of qualitative research, but this special edition strives to bring together multidirectional network learning and addresses gaps in both literature and practice.