Project Topics
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Methodology
This section presents our overall research design and methods concerning interviews, case study, Primary data and data analysis. Additionally, this paper’s trustworthiness and implications of ethics are presented.
Scientific Philosophy
A research philosophy should reflect a particular study’s approach to knowledge – how new knowledge is developed – based on assumptions about how the world is viewed (Saunders et al., 2009). Positivism is an approach to science, based on a belief in universal laws persistence on objectivity and neutrality (Thompson,1995). It works by testing theories and hypotheses. Positivism predominates in science and assumes that science quantitatively measures independent facts about a single reprehensible reality (Guba and Lincoln, 1994; Tsoukas, 1989). However, qualitative research is often associated with interpretivist (Saunders et al., 2009). A main characteristic of positivism is that it intends to make generalisations about a social setting while in contrast interpretivist tend to emphasise the complexities and uniqueness of an ever-changing situation (Saunders et al., 2009). Research carried out in this paradigm focuses on social relationship and the processes and mechanisms through which members of the setting find their way and make up their social worlds (Bailey, 2007). According to Cassell and Symon (2004), adopting an interpretivist stance is well suited for organisational and management research that aims to obtain a deep understanding of how and why things happen in relation to complex and unique processes and practices. Therefore, we adopt an interpretivist approach for our study,
Scientific approach
According to George A. Lundberg, scientific method can be defined as the “method which consists of the systematic observation, classification and the interpretation of the data the main difference between our day to day generalization and the conclusions usually recognized as a scientific method lie in the degree of the formality, rigorousness, verifiability and the general validity of the latter”. There are several scientific approaches that are available in existing literature allowing researchers to have considerable amount of options to choose according to their paper’s best fit (Hintikka, 1999; Baker, 2000; Locke, 2007). Three scientific approaches are commonly used: deductive, inductive, and abductive approach (Reichertz, 2014). Inductive approach means a theory is developed or a pattern of meaning is identified according to the data that is collected (Thomas, 2006). Deductive approach is where an assumption is made upon a theory and then necessary deductions are performed in order to test the theory and is followed by a revision if required (Locke, 2007). Lastly abductive approach is a combination of developed theories and empirical findings. It is an approach that enables the research to understand and interpret both the existing theories and observations (Dubois & Gadde, 2002).
In this study, we make use of the abductive form of reasoning. Charles S. Peirce, known for his pioneering work on abduction as a form of reasoning, calls it “the first step of reasoning” (CP 7.218) Abductive reasoning is identified as a tool since in our research we deal with previously done studies and observations. Abduction helps to identify different aspects of the literature being studied such as the themes, codes and categories for analyzing literature which thereafter becomes our findings.
Research method and design
Qualitative method
The two most commonly seen methods of conducting research are qualitative and quantitative. A qualitative approach provides greater richness and more detailed information about a smaller number of people (Patton, 1986). This type of research works with non-numerical data that tries to explain trends in thoughts and opinions through the study of targeted populations or places. Qualitative studies are based on data from for example observations and interviews, presented in textual form (Saunders et al., 2009).
A quantitative research is done when a problem is quantified with the use of numerical data that can be transformed into statistics and generalize a result from a given population. This research paper is a qualitative study as it looks at institutional adaptation of western countries to eastern countries, with a focus on China. Qualitative research is especially effective in obtaining culturally specific information about the values, opinions, behaviours, and social contexts of particular populations. (Mack, et al., 2005). Qualitative methods are typically flexible, they allow greater spontaneity and adaptation of the interaction between the researcher and the study participant. (Mack, et al., 2005).
Research Strategy
Case study method
Within qualitative research it is increasingly common to notice the usage of case studies in order to figure out and evaluate a complex phenomenon (Eisenhardt, 1989). Case study has been a common research strategy in psychology, sociology, political science, business, social work, and planning (Yin, 1983). The need for case studies have grown because of the need to understand complex social phenomenon. A case study helps to explain both the process and outcome of a phenomenon through complete observation, reconstruction and analysis of the case under investigation (Tellis, 1997). Yin (1984:23) defines the case study research method “as an empirical inquiry that investigates a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context; when the boundaries between phenomenon and context are not clearly evident; and in which multiple sources of evidence are used.” In other words, a case study is a unique way of observing any natural phenomenon which exists in a set of data (Yin, 1984).
A common criticism of case study method is its dependency on a single case exploration making it difficult to reach a generalising conclusion (Tellis, 1997). Yin (1993) considered case methodology ‘microscopic’ because of the limited sampling cases. To Hamel et al. (1993) and Yin (1994), however, parameter establishment and objective setting of the research are far more important in case study method than a big sample size. Yet researchers continue to use the case study research method with success in carefully planned and crafted studies of real- life situations, issues, and problems (Eisenhardt & Graebner, 2007).
Moreover, this paper’s case study is related to instrumental case study. An instrumental case study is used to accomplish something other than understanding a particular situation. It provides insight into an issue or helps to refine a theory. The case is of secondary interest; it plays a supportive role, facilitating our understanding of something else. The case is often looked at in depth, its contexts scrutinized, its ordinary activities detailed, and because it helps the researcher pursue the external interest. The case may or may not be seen as typical of other cases (Stake, 1995). This is also since, this case study allows the authors to put primary focus on inquiring a case and provide insights while addressing a particular issue (Stake, 1995). Our primary focus was to analyse answers from different employees of Husqvarna’s Sweden headquarters and China offices.
Case selection
For our case study we chose Husqvarna Group, a multinational company with a headquarter in Sweden and subsidiaries in countries with different cultures. Husqvarna Group is a global leading producer of outdoor power products for forest, park and garden care. The Group’s products and solutions are sold under brands including Husqvarna, Gardena, McCulloch, Poulan Pro, Weed Eater, Flymo, Zenoah and Diamant Boart via dealers and retailers to consumers and professionals. The Husqvarna Group’s products are sold in more than 100 countries and include products for consumers (67%) as well as professional users (33%) (Husqvarna AB, 2010).
Husqvarna Group is chosen on the basis of being a western company having FDI in China. The criteria we choose allows us to focus on employees we think would be most likely to experience, know about, or have insights into the research topic. (Mack, et al., 2005). Husqvarna Group was reached by an email explaining the purpose of the study. This email also reflects the researchers’ awareness that willingness to participate in an interview will depend on how well the participants understand what the study is about, what will be expected of them if they participate, and how their privacy is respected. The voluntary nature of participation in research studies should always be emphasized. (Mack, et al., 2005).
Data collection
Interviews
For the purpose of answering the research question, an interview is done with open-ended questions in order to get well defined answers and thoughts from the participant. Qualitative methods ask mostly “open-ended” questions that are not necessarily worded in exactly the same way with each participant. They are free to keep their answers as briefly as they wish or go into more elaborate details. In turn, researchers have the opportunity to respond immediately to what participants say by tailoring subsequent questions to information the participant has provided. (Mack, et al., 2005).
Instruments
The researcher is collecting data using a semi structured interview guide (Appendix 1) while doing an interview. The researcher is meeting with employees in Husqvarna Group in Sweden and China to ask them about their experiences of institutional clash and institutional adaptation in the region. Moreover, if there were such adaptations and to what extent. The interview questions are stated in Appendix 1. In addition to the written questions, there might be sub questions that are company specific or that come up spontaneously. If there are spontaneously asked questions they are written down, so they can be asked to the next employee interviewed. The questions are not sent beforehand in order to avoid pre-test, a threat to validity and reliability of the study.
Procedure
Firstly, the company is contacted to get its approval to join the study. Second stage will be for the researchers to organize a meeting with the participants where they will explain the study and the process in more depths. Lastly, the time and date for the interview will be settled.
Trustworthiness
Researchers often struggle with problems that compromise the trustworthiness of qualitative research findings (De Casterlé, et al., 2012).
Selection of the most appropriate method of data collection is essential for ensuring the credibility of content analysis (Graneheim & Lundman, 2004). The strategy to ensure trustworthiness of content analysis starts by choosing the best data collection method to answer the research questions of interest. (Elo, S., et al., 2014).
Qualitative content analysis is most often applied to verbal data such as interview transcripts (Schreier, 2012). With descriptive data collection, it can often be challenging to control the diversity of experiences and prevent interviewer bias and the privileging of one type of information or analytical perspective (Warr & Pyett, 1999). Selection of the most appropriate sample size is important for ensuring the credibility of content analysis study (Graneheim & Lundman, 2004).
An essential consideration when discussing the trustworthiness of findings from a qualitative content analysis is that there is always some degree of interpretation when approaching a text. (Graneheim & Lundman, 2004). Conformability of findings means that the data accurately represent the information that the participants provided, and the interpretations of those data are not invented by the inquirer (Polit & Beck, 2012). It is recommended that the analysis be performed by more than one person to increase the comprehensively and provide sound interpretation of the data (Burla et al., 2008; Schreier, 2012).
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Background
1.2 Problem Statement
1.3Purpose of the Study
1.4 Contribution of the study
1.5 Method
1.6 Definitions and key words
2. Literature Review
2.1 Internationalization process
2.2 (Previous) theoretical perspectives on internationalization process
2.3 Adopting an Institutional Theory perspective on internationalization process
2.4 Institutional isomorphism and internationalization
2.5 China’s Institutional Environment
2.6Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
3. Methodology
3.1 Scientific Philosophy
3.2 Scientific approach
3.3 Research method and design
3.4 Systematic literature review
4.Data presentation
4.1 About Husqvarna
4.2 Core Purpose, Vision and Key Behaviours
4.3 Husqvarna Sweden vs. Husqvarna China
5. Analysis
6. Conclusion
7. Discussion and Implications
8. Reference list
9. Appendix 1
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Institutional adaptation of Western companies operating in China; A case study on Husqvarna Group
