Research Philosophy, Approach, Strategy, Data Collection, Sampling, and Analysis

This chapter discusses research philosophy, approach, strategy, data collection, sampling, and analysis. It explores different types of research philosophies, such as positivism, interpretivism, and pragmatism. The chapter also explains the importance of selecting the appropriate research strategy and data collection method. It highlights the benefits of using a case study design and the process of data analysis.

Chapter 3: Design and Methodology
1. Research Philosophy
Adapted from (Saunders et al., 2007)
Research philosophy primarily deals with nature, development of knowledge and the
source of study which makes the topic pretty vast. According to Eriksson & Kovalainen
(2015) research philosophy is described as the belief in the techniques used to collect,
evaluate and use information on a particular phenomenon. The selection of suitable research
philosophy is therefore essential in dissertation because it includes devising statements and
conclusions and beliefs while being fully conscious of them. There are three main types of
research philosophies that include positivism, interpretivism and pragmatism. The social
constructionist is the principle research design, which is an interpretivism philosophy
(Easterby-Smith et al., 2008). This research is centered around the observation and
encounters of leadership behaviour that empower start-up to develop and retain its employee
where financial compensation and power are limited. Easterby-Smith et al. (2008) suggested
a helpful synopsis differentiating the ramifications of social constructionist and positivism,
which underpins the choice to utilise a social constructionist philosophy for my research.

Diagram 1: Comparison between positivism and Social constructivism
Adapted from (Easterby-Smith et al., 2008)
The social concerning philosophical discernment first with the expectation of conducting
individual recognition and contemplations of entrepreneurial leadership and creating a design
that is conditional on investigating wealthy data about lived encounters. Human interests of
the workers have been the primary drivers of this exploration, supporting the decision of
social constructionist versus other philosophy such as positivism, whereby the human interest
have been viewed as unessential. This research concentrates on leadership behaviour by
entrepreneur and how it influences employee task. Therefore, in this explicit setting, the
social constructionist approach fits best.
2. Research Approach
It is essential to select the appropriate research strategy as it enables appropriate data to
be referred to and observations to be made accordingly. Research strategy is a crucial
component of any scientific study regardless of the area of research. There are three main
types of research approaches which include inductive, deductive and abductive

methodologies. The purpose of this research is exploratory in nature and it is centered around
acquiring more understanding of leadership behaviour in a start-up and understanding
ramifications of these practices towards its early stages where finance and power are
constrained. This research has used an inductive or qualitative methodology (Saunders et al,
2007). As proposed by Padilla-Diaz (2015) the qualitative research strategy is frequently
exploratory and empowers a researcher to gain discernment from within, based on the
knowledge or ideas of the performer. It also empowers the researcher to perceive the world
from the perspective of the source (Gray, 2013). In light of the discoveries of the literature
review, a chance to acquire knowledge from the leader, the directors and representatives
(employees/labour) in an elective method to reviews have been recognized. In spite of the
fact that reviews can investigate phenomenon and context, their capacity to explore context is
restricted.
As discussed by Horrigan-Kelly, Millar & Dowling (2016), qualitative/inductive
approach has been selected to help offer additional understanding as records of performers
are imperative elements and socially sensitive. This methodology has been reliant upon
acquiring a more profound understanding of leadership behaviours, their effect on
representatives (employees/labour) and in particular how these behaviours are seen,
additionally empowering a more noteworthy dimension of ontological comprehension of how
the reality of the workers is constructed socially.
3. Research Strategy
Despite multiple phenomenological methods that were conceivable design/strategy decisions,
the case study method was seen as the best strategy in view of the objective of achieving an
in-depth closer insight into the phenomena of entrepreneurial leadership behaviour in a start-
up. This study is based on building theory from a case study design, working with regards to
revelation as portrayed by Steyerberg (2013). Subsequently, tracking typology of research,

purposive theory-building offers the researcher the decision of deductive or inductive
approaches. Coming up short on any focal law or speculation that is dared to apply, this
research embraces an inductive methodology comprised by recording, classifying, observing
and generalising (Carter et.al., 2014) According to Peters eta.al., (2013) this procedure is
firmly practically equivalent to the advancement of grounded theory, in which theory is
formed from perception as it were. In this mode, the researcher enters the field with 'no
hypothesis under thought and no theories to test. Thus study’s exploratory concept in a
modern environment led to the selection of an inductive case study design. As indicated by
Cristian-Liviu (2013) , case studies add certainty to the study and investigating the
complexities in cases through understanding of single-case how, when and why in one setting
can apply to equivalent cases.
Another explanation for choosing a case study design for this research is that having a compr
ehensive qualitative account frequently provided in case studies not only investigates or depic
ts information in a real domain, but also helps clarify the complexities of real circumstances t
hat can not be captured by survey and experimental research.
For example, a case study of analyzing strategies used by an individual subject can provide ac
cess not only to the numerical data relating to the strategy used, but also to the explanations b
ehind the use of the strategy and how the techniques are used in connection with various
strategies (Peters eta.al., 2013).
4. Data Collection
The objective behind the study is to strengthen my knowledge by looking at management
behaviours in a start-up context as well as seeing the perspectives of staff. To accomplish this
goal, it has been decided that the semi-structure interview approach was the appropriate
technique for information accumulation. This provides an adaptable and organized strategy
for acquiring data and give a rich set of data for investigation this sort of interview allows

study topics to be explored as the investigator converses with people who know about or are
in the problem of concern (Palinkas et.al., 2015). Through such interviews, scientists,
investigate in detail, other people’s encounters, thinking procedure, and evaluations and find
out how to view the world from other perspectives than their own (Sutton & Austin 2015).
The semi-structure interview was picked in view of the guided open interview approach, fit
with the philosophy of the research and on the grounds that this methodology is suited to
exploratory investigation. (Ness 2015). Semi-
structure interviews are lucrative in view of the reality that they allow the respondent to discu
ss their encounters, feelings and mentalities freely and the procedure provides the researcher t
he ability to test for elaboration and enlightenment (Palinkas et.al., 2015).This interview
gives the capacity to test and look for extra knowledge, and therefore a more profound
understanding of the phenomena of interest may rise (Savin-Baden & Major 2013). Despite
the fact that semi-structured interviews are claimed to be a valuable strategy for information
or data acquisition, the multifaceted nature required by semi-structure interviews could be
underestimated and it is an exceptionally tedious process (Savin-Baden & Major 2013). A
significant challenge is that it is hard to get to the respondent's recognitions and thoughts. As
proposed by Ritchie et.al., (2013), additional Limitations of this methodology incorporate
issues of unwavering quality and legitimacy, and the dependence on the memory of the
respondents.
Another method that has been used for the collection of
information is the participant observation approach, as it also takes part in these operations
when the investigator observes the general population doing stuff as well as taking part to so
me extent (Agnuinis & Vandenberg, 2014). Additionally it has been portrayed that most of
the fieldwork of qualitative nature has included participant observation in general, as opposed
to observation, keeping in mind the fact that understanding implications, observation without

social interaction have not been especially useful. This achieves the philosophy behind the
research. Palinkas et.al., (2015) says that any observation of the participants take place in
social interaction, categorized by three vital elements- a place, events and actors. In addition
to this, using the method will provide me with methods for checking non verbal articulation
of feelings, finding out who cooperates with whom, getting a grip on how participant stalk to
each other and checking how much time they spend on distinct operations (Ritchie et.al.,
2013). Participant observation has enabled this research to verify the meanings of the terms
used by participants in interviews, observe activities that the sources may not be willing or
unwilling to share. By doing as such, it might be impoliticly, inconsiderate or obtuse. Again it
would also help to observe the conditions reported by informants in interviews so that they
are conscious of the contortions or errors in the description provided by those informants thus
the main objective for the plan of research utilizing participant observation as a technique is
to build up an all-encompassing understanding of the phenomena under investigation that is
precise and conceivable.
5. Sampling
As depicted by Cleary, Horsfall & Hayter (2014), in order to select an appropriate sampling
method the researcher/ observer must carefully consider the social interaction and
behavioural features relevant to the study population and the research question at hand. In
many researches, one does not have adequate observational data about the circumstances
between major variables. This research has uses a purposeful sampling which is also called
judgement sample . As opined by Etikan, Musa & Alkassim (2016), purposive sampling is
ordinarily utilized in inductive/qualitative study. This type of sampling involves selecting
categories or organizations to study on the basis of their relevance to the research issues, the
hypothetical situation and science system, the logical exercise, and in specific the argument
or clarification created. Purposive sampling methodologies lay vital emphasis on immersion,

that is obtaining a thorough knowledge by sampling until no fresh substantive information are
obtained (Emerson, 2015). Moreover, in purposive Sampling, subjects are chosen dependent
on study reason with the desire that every member will give one of a kind and rich data of
significant worth to the study. With the nature of study, I have proposed to investigate on I
am sure that purposive sampling will best fit. The limitation of this sampling choice may be
the inaccessibility of the participant, which has ultimately compelled this research to use a
convenience sampling, where people from the objective population fulfil certain practical
requirements. For example, geographical proximity, quick accessibility, accessibility at a
given time, or the eagerness to partake are incorporated within the end goal of the study.
6. Case Firm for Sample/Sample size
AA Healthcare Service is a private limited company that specializes in offering healthcare
as well as supports employees to public clinics and private care homes for adults and
adolescents throughout the UK, putting nurses, midwives, physicians associated health
professionals, health researchers and social workers in temporary, permanent and contract
positions. The company was incorporated on 11 September 2017 with the registered office
located in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. There are currently 2 active directors and 2 active
secretaries with over 30 health and social care staffs according to the latest confirmation
statement submitted on 12th October 2018 in Endole (2018) company profile. As a start-up
firm in a competitive industry, it is paramount that an effective leader can make the firm
progress. The Sample size is 1 CEO, 2 Directors and 7 Healthcare staffs.
7. Data Analysis
Palinkas et.al., (2015) has characterized and defined analysis as a methodology, a
procedure that the researchers use top decrease data or information to a story and its
understanding. Basically it is a process of decreasing substantial measure of gathered data

in order to comprehend them. According to Charnes et.al., (2013) three things occur
during analysis; data/information is sorted out, data/information is reduced by
categorizing and summarizing and data/ information topics and patterns are
acknowledged and linked. The constant comparative analysis technique has been used in
combination with mapping themes, where interview data/information and observation
notes have been revised and compared over and over and analysed/coded dependent on
patterns, enabling basic important themes to be distinguished (Thomas 2013) This
procedure has been firmly practised and is equivalent to the advancement of grounded
theory. Every single qualitative data analysis includes coding information into themes, at
that point categories, to shape ends.
The coding procedure has been completed by analysis, each of these archives
(interview transcripts and observation notes) by crediting a code to phrases, section or
paragraphs(Thomas, 2013). These codes have a meaning of a theme or thought
that has been associated with each piece of data / information. A distinct file has
been used to ensure that the use of each code remains constant and to create an unmistaka
ble selection path that auditors or potential scientists can use. Notes have been done on
how decisions were made, how the coding method was guided and an explicit issue posed
amidst data/ information coding. Analysis of data have been inductive as studies aimed at
advancing knowledge of individual perception, not showing a biased theory. When the
coding has been finished, the codes that had normal components have been converged
into frame classifications.
Effective assessment and implementation of qualitative information needs an orderly
and systematic strategy with the aim of presenting and collate multifaceted information
resulting from a variety of sources in a reasonable framework. This is the principle

explanation for the utilization of this data analysis method as it has empowered the
collected data to be successful because of its efficient and systematic approach.
8. Validity, Reliability and Generalizability.
For the most part, the validity had to be very high due to the notable plan and policies
that had been used to illuminate the phenomenon and there is also no triangulation as the
inquiry had been based on perception and interviews with the officials and staffs.
Strikingly, the reliability also had to be high too because of the broad data set which had
been gathered, given another researcher night have endeavoured to recreate this
investigation in a similar setting. This being mentioned, generalizability had been small
on the basis that the sample of entrepreneurial leaders and officials had been drawn from
one specific environment (one UK start-up) and, moreover it did not consider the cultural
factors or the perspective of the sector. In this way, the research sample did not embody
to the entire populace (every entrepreneurial leader on a worldwide dimension for all
ventures), which is additionally not the goal in qualitative research (Thomas, 2013).
9. Research Limitations.
 The size of the sample had been small-a greater sample could have presumably
upgraded the dependability of the research.
 Some members might have declined talk against the leader of the organization.
 The timing of the research had been as problem.
 Cultural impedance.
10. Ethical Considerations
Research ethics is crucial in day-to-day study operations and requires scientists to
guarantee that their topics are well equipped and to distribute the information examined.

 Primarily the current study has been liable to certain ethical issues. All
individuals participating had to present their composed acknowledgement with
respect to their support in the research through a signed Consent and Briefing
Letter. In the meantime, the sample individuals have been requested to sign a
Debriefing and Withdrawal Letter. The point of the two letters is to assure
participating individuals that their support in the exploration is deliberate and
that they were allowed to pull back from it anytime and for any reason in order
to keep the research in the ethical parameter, utilizing the university's code of
research ethics (Guillemin & Gillam, 2004).
 Secondly, participating individuals would be completely educated with respect
to the study objectives, while they were made assured that their answers would
be treated as private and utilised just for academic purposes and just for the
motivations behind the specific research.

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