Qualitative Comparative Analysis Research Articles

The Micro-Governance of Collaborative Networks for Water Protection: A Configurational Analysis

This article aims to identify the configurations of micro-governance functions (aligning, mobilizing, integrating, organizing, arbitrating, monitoring) that foster an internal collaborative environment in collaborative networks. We collected data from 36 networks for water protection in Brazil and performed a qualitative comparative analysis (QCA). Results yield four configurations, three of which have been adopted by collaborative networks whose members have not collaborated before. The fourth configuration is specific to networks whose members have a previous history of collaboration. Our study contributes to theory and practice since the extant literature on micro-governance is purely theoretical, with no empirical studies.

Valuable Data "Gain" and "Loss": The Quantitative Impact of Information Choice on Consumers' Decision to Buy Selenium-Rich Agricultural Products.

Biotechnology assumes a paramount role in addressing micronutrient deficiencies. The promotion thereof and the augmentation of public awareness are indispensable for implementation. The advancement of big data presents challenges due to the plethora of information and the constrained processing capacity, thereby inducing difficulties in consumer decision-making. The study is obliged to intensify information dissemination to empower consumers to apprehend the value of selenium-enriched products as an integral constituent of positive nutrition guidance. The study undertook an experiment related to nutrition information acquisition, in which participants provided relevant interferences. The study utilized the structural equation model (SEM) and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to analyze the data. The study arrived at three research conclusions. Firstly, the furnishing of valuable information constitutes a significant factor in motivating consumers to purchase selenium-rich agricultural products. Secondly, the communication of brand information holds crucial significance in shaping the perception of product advantages and plays a salient role in the promotion and construction of selenium-rich agricultural products. Finally, the dissemination of health information can be incorporated into the process of promoting selenium-rich agricultural products. This conforms to the urgent necessity to address hidden hunger and establish a value identity.

Unpacking core components for policy design: A comparison of synthesis approaches

AbstractUnder the banner of evidence‐based policy, evidence reviews—summaries of existing studies on an intervention—have become an established form of policy analysis. Whereas evidence reviews have typically focused on studies of an intervention as delivered, interest is growing in examining the specific elements that comprise the intervention and that contribute to its success—broadly referred to as its core components. Understanding the core components of interventions allows policymakers to identify with greater precision what works, in which contexts, and for which populations. With the aim toward advancing core components analysis for policy design, this Research Note describes and compares four synthesis approaches for identifying core components in the context of evidence reviews: the distillation and matching model, meta‐regression, framework synthesis, and qualitative comparative analysis. The article then reflects on how to advance core components analysis in evidence reviews to better inform policy design and the policymaking process.

A complexity theory in geotourism: traveler environmentally sustainable behaviors in global geoparks

ABSTRACT The importance of environmentally sustainable behavioral intentions (ESBI) in tourism is widely acknowledged, yet its role in geotourism is uncertain. Based on norm activation theory, behavioral reasoning theory, and complexity theory, this study used structural equation modeling and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to analyze data from 455 tourists at global geoparks in China. Results indicated that responsibility ascription, attitude, values, and place attachment influence ESBI. fsQCA identified four configuration combinations, confirming complexity theory principles. This paper addressed gaps in the literature and provided practical implications for geoparks.

How do policies promote the sustainable development of older-adult care industry? A configuration analysis based on policy tools.

Under the background of population aging in China, the demand for older-adult care services and products is growing, and the older-adult care industry has great development prospects. A sound older-adult care policy system, that is, an effective policy tool mix, plays an important role in improving the sustainable development of older-adult care industry. Based on older-adult care policy documents from 31 Chinese provinces, this research extracts older-adult care policy tools via text mining. Then extracted policy tools are taken as conditional variables, and the development of older-adult care industry, which is manifested by the number of older-adult care companies across 31 regions is taken as the result variable. Through applying qualitative comparative analysis, the combined effect of different policy tools on the development of older-adult care industry is obtained. Results show that a single policy tool cannot constitute the necessary condition to facilitate the older-adult care industry. Hence, policy tools should be applied in combination. Five sustainable policy tool mixes which can promote the development of older-adult care industry are summarized, namely supporting policy-driven mode, fiscal and tax support mode led by supply-oriented policy tools, double-team mode driven by fiscal and tax support and the consumer market, multi-subject joint force mode, and technology compensation mode. The overall findings of this study imply that exploring the policy tool combinations is of vital importance to the sustainable development of older-adult care industry.

Carbon footprints, dynamic capabilities, and financial inclusion in G7 and E7 nations

This study explores the impact of financial inclusion on CO2 emissions in G7 and E7 countries over the period 2004 to 2020. Through fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), the research reveals that financial inclusion interacts with key factors such as income levels, energy consumption, urbanization, and foreign direct investment, shaping emissions outcomes in these countries. Trade openness is identified as a significant driver of environmental degradation, further complicating the relationship between financial systems and ecological impact. Despite these interactions, the study finds a clear gap in policies that directly connect financial inclusion with CO2 reduction efforts. The findings emphasize the need for governments to align financial inclusion strategies with environmental policies to foster more sustainable economic and ecological development.

Pathway Selection for Enhancing the Efficiency of Psychological Crisis Intervention Resource Integration during Major Emergencies: Evidence from China

In major emergencies, psychological crisis intervention plays a critical role in safeguarding public mental health and supporting post-disaster recovery. However, uneven resource allocation underscores the urgent need for more efficient resource integration pathways. This study, based on data from Chinese governmental and health departmental reports in 2022, employs a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and a fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) to evaluate the efficiency of psychological crisis intervention resource integration across various regions. It investigates the combined effects of internal and external factors on improving integration efficiency through a configurational approach. The findings reveal that while the overall efficiency of resource integration is relatively high, there are notable differences between institutions. The analysis identifies five key pathways: policy support-driven (H1), professional capability-driven (H2), comprehensive synergy-driven (H3), resource optimization (NH1), and community empowerment (NH2). Despite regional disparities, effectively integrating key resources can enhance overall efficiency. Coordinating internal and external factors and optimizing essential resources are crucial for improving the effectiveness of psychological crisis interventions. This research offers actionable insights into integration strategies to strengthen psychological crisis intervention during emergencies. The findings also provide practical solutions to improve disaster preparedness and intervention efficiency, addressing a key gap in crisis resource management research.

Regulatory Procedures for Corporate Bankruptcy: A Comparative Analysis between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America

The following paper provides a qualitative comparative analysis of the regulatory processes involved in corporate bankruptcy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United States of America (USA). The work analyses the legislation, main subjects, procedures, and results of corporate insolvency in both countries. As such, this study seeks to analyze the differences and comparisons of these regulations to address the question of the efficiency of each regime and the gaps for changes. The features of recent changes in Saudi Arabian legislation in the sphere of bankruptcy and the influence of these changes on the business environment are discussed, as well as the obligatory American Chapter 11 procedures. The comparative approach provides policy-implementing, legal-advice, and business-useful outlooks to the policymakers, lawyers, and enterprises operating in both countries for subsequent reasons. Based on the research findings and the shift in the Bankruptcy system in Saudi Arabia, this paper also acknowledges insider influence, particularly the influence of the U.S. model as the world’s benchmark on corporate restructuring best practices.

Psychic Distance’s Impact on China’s Reverse M&A Innovation

ABSTRACT In this study, we examined Chinese firms’ cross-border reverse mergers and acquisitions (M&As). From the perspective of internal and external uncertainties, as well as the essence of psychic distance (PD), we established five dimensions of the PD of cross-border reverse M&A: cultural distance, national image, degree of internationalization, top management team (TMT)‘s overseas background, and perceived distance. Using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), we found that the impact of PD on innovation performance was a combination of multiple factors, showing three types of configurations: external uncertainty dominant, internal uncertainty dominant, and perceived distance dominant. We further explored the interactions between knowledge conditions, such as firm size, industry relevance, and relative knowledge scale, and PD. This study supplements and expands current theories on the internationalization of emerging market enterprises from the perspective of latecomer countries.

(Non-)terrestrial and (Non-)local pathways of behavioral policy diffusion in European cities’ climate action plans: Contextual, cultural, and leadership framing

This study investigates the spread of innovative behavioral (green nudging) policies within city-level Climate Action Plans (CAPs) across the European Union, focusing on how these innovations diffuse and the factors influencing their adoption. Using textual analysis with a dataset consisting of CAPs from 40 cities across Europe, we categorized various green nudging innovations and then tracked their origins and uptake. Then, we employed fsQCA (Fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis) to identify the key factors driving diffusion. The findings reveal that while certain innovations, particularly in the building and transportation sectors, have achieved widespread adoption, other initiatives like community co-creation and urban parks have seen lower diffusion. Local terrestrial factors, especially sectoral carbon emissions, are significant drivers, with cities facing higher emissions more likely to adopt these policies. Interestingly, local emissions levels and strong climate leadership emerge as more critical determinants than economic status or climate similarities. The study identifies two primary diffusion pathways—Cultural Leadership for Emission Reduction and Local Adaptive Synergy—demonstrating the diverse strategies cities employ based on their unique contexts. This research highlights the importance of expanding green nudging measures in CAPs beyond technological and infrastructure domains to promote low-carbon behaviors comprehensively.

The Path Driving China’s Energy Structure Transformation from the Perspective of Policy Tools

Combing through Chinese energy-related policy texts and exploring the development path of energy restructuring are significant steps towards a better understanding of the history of energy restructuring in the process of building a moderately prosperous society in all aspects. To explore the various paths driving the transformation of China’s energy structure, the energy policies promulgated at the national level from 2001 to 2020 in China were systematically compiled. Based on the policy tool perspective, a theoretical framework for influencing China’s energy structure transition was proposed in three dimensions: objectives, tools, and intensity. A total of 39 national energy policy texts were analyzed using a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis method. The results show that (1) the consistency levels of individual preconditions were all below 0.9, which does not constitute a necessary condition for the transformation of China’s energy structure; (2) the sufficiency analysis identified three paths of China’s energy structure transformation, which can be described as models driven by “multiple objectives + information”, “single objective + information”, and “single objective”; (3) energy restructuring is a goal-oriented process; the clarity and certainty of the efficient and green objectives of energy policies have a facilitating effect on energy restructuring, and the support of information technology provides an important guarantee for energy restructuring; (4) compared with European and American countries, it was found that China’s energy policy tools were characterized by an emphasis on macro-planning, insufficient connectivity, and marked tendencies in practice.

Embracing methodological evolution and diversity in logistics and supply chain management research

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to highlight the significance of advancing research methodologies in logistics, operations and supply chain management. It seeks to expand the scope of research questions and explore areas previously constrained by traditional methodological approaches, thereby enhancing the exploration of complex, real-world business issues.Design/methodology/approachThis commentary introduces and discusses the special issue on “Advances in Research Methodologies for Logistics and Supply Chain Management,” exploring methodological innovations, diversity and their potential to address complex business and disciplinary challenges. The commentary assesses a broad spectrum of methodologies, ranging from traditional qualitative and quantitative approaches to overlooked methods such as qualitative comparative analysis, netnography, design science, Bayesian networks, machine learning and repertory grid technique. This diverse methodological approach enables a comprehensive examination of emerging and ongoing challenges in the supply chain. In the final summary section, we highlight additional areas of research method innovation not covered in this special issue, offering a broader perspective on future directions for methodological advancements in SCM research.FindingsThe findings suggest that integrating less explored methodologies from various disciplines encourages a richer, multi-level analysis of the supply chain management landscape. This integration facilitates a deeper understanding of emerging challenges, such as geopolitical issues, global supply chain disruptions and the integration of new technologies. Additionally, the exploration of ‘white space' in research methodologies indicates significant potential for discovering new insights that bridge practical problems with theoretical contributions.Originality/valueThe value of this methodological diversity extends beyond academic enrichment. It catalyzes the generation of innovative insights crucial for business practitioners, policymakers, consultants and academics. By adopting varied research designs and methodologies, the research note can offer a broader spectrum of analytical perspectives, crucial for uncovering nuanced insights into complex, cross-cultural and relationship-based dynamics in supply chain research.

An Integration of the PLS/fsQCA Approach for Investigating the Impact of Quality Parameters on Relationship Quality in Mobile Banking

Understanding the channel-specific, post-adoption relational aspect in digital banking landscapes enables banks to refine their customer relationship strategies to acquire technology-driven benefits and improve bank customer relationships. The study aims to empirically assess the impact of a set of quality variables with word-of-mouth driving relationship quality (satisfaction and trust) that further strengthens bank-customer relationships. Using a stratified random sampling technique, the response of 370 mobile banking users was analyzed with PLS-SEM for the confirmatory analysis and then a configurational method was applied employing a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis. The findings indicate, that customers satisfied with quality aspects cultivate trust as a relational quality in mobile banking services. Further, the study found relevant configurations of significant antecedents that need to be prioritized in fostering bank-customer relationships through mobile banking.

Big data analytics managerial skills and organizational agility: a moderated mediation model

PurposeAlthough big data analytics managerial skills (BDAMS) offer opportunities for firms to foster organizational agility, existing studies present inconclusive indications of this impact, with an overlooking of the intermediate pathways involved. This study explored how BDAMS affect organizational agility by investigating the mediation effect of data-driven organizational learning (DDOL) and the moderating roles of technological and market turbulence.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed mediation and moderated mediation analyses to test the hypotheses using data collected from listed Chinese firms. Furthermore, we performed a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) as a supplementary approach to identify the configurations that lead to organizational agility.FindingsThis study shows that DDOL partially mediates the relationship between BDAMS and organizational agility. Besides, technological and market turbulence positively moderate the effect of DDOL on organizational agility and the mediation effect of DDOL. Our additional analyses also reveal several patterns of conditions that facilitate agility.Originality/valueThis study offers a comprehensive exploration of the relationship between BDAMS and organizational agility by verifying the mediating effect of DDOL and moderating effects of technological and market turbulence. In addition, the fsQCA results highlighted the combinatorial effects of key factors in this study, reinforcing and refining the moderated mediation results.

The effects of resident-tourist interaction quality on residents’ pro-environmental behaviour through improved relationships: a combination of symmetric and asymmetric analysis

Cultivating residents’ pro-environmental behaviours (PEBs) is crucial for tourism destinations to promote sustainable development. While residents’ PEBs has become a popular area of research, limited consideration has been given to whether and how interactions between residents and tourists influence residents’ PEBs, leaving this research domain underexplored. Based on self-determination theory and complexity theory, this research explores how social antecedents affect residents’ PEBs by conducting Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) analyses. An empirical survey was conducted among 535 residents of the West Lake Scenic Area, a major tourism destination in China. The PLS-SEM results demonstrated that high-quality resident-tourist interaction facilitated residents’ closeness with tourists and their attachment to the destination, which, in turn, contributed to residents’ active engagement in PEBs. The results from fsQCA indicated that relying exclusively on PLS-SEM may be insufficient for achieving a comprehensive understanding of the proposed research model. According to fsQCA, this study identified 11 distinct solutions that sufficiently explain high levels of residents’ PEBs, demonstrating how various antecedents work in unison to facilitate residents’ PEBs. This research concluded by proposing theoretical and practical implications of facilitating residents’ PEBs.

Social comparison and self‐determination in luxury consumption motivations

AbstractThis study integrates social comparison theory) and self‐determination theory to examine the roles of escapism, conformity, and individual cultural values in shaping luxury brand attitudes. Concepts related to consumer upward and downward social comparison are complemented by aspects related to self‐determination and autonomy. Drawing on survey data from the United States and Colombia, the research employs partial least squares structural equation modeling and fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to investigate the complex drivers of luxury consumption. The findings reveal that escapism and conformity, complementary motivations grounded in social comparison and self‐determination theories, positively influence luxury brand attitudes. Furthermore, individual cultural values, such as self‐enhancement and self‐transcendence, moderate the relationships between these consumer motivations and attitudes. The cross‐cultural comparison highlights differences in the influence of cultural values on luxury consumption between two distinct cultures. The fsQCA—results uncover distinct configurations of motivations and values sufficient for driving positive luxury attitudes, extending the understanding of the complex interplay of factors shaping luxury consumption. By integrating social comparison theory and self‐determination theory perspectives, examining cultural values, and employing advanced methodological approaches, this study contributes to the theoretical understanding of luxury consumption. It also offers valuable insights for luxury brand managers navigating the evolving global market. Future research directions emphasize the potential for further integrating these two theoretical frameworks in the luxury domain.

Combining life cycle assessment and dynamic qualitative comparative analysis to analyze the environmental impacts of urban development across different provinces in China

Examining the environmental pollution landscape is a vital link for urban development. Across production, distribution, and usage stages of 24 provinces in China between 2010 and 2019, this study conducts Life Cycle Assessment and Dynamic Qualitative Comparative Analysis to explore the effects of conditional combination on environmental impact assessment indicators including Photochemical Oxidation, Eutrophication, Global Warming Potential, Human Toxicity, and Acidification. The results reveal that: (1) Shandong contributes most significantly to environmental impact assessment indicators in the production and distribution stages, while Inner Mongolia dominates the usage stage. In contrast, Beijing, Hainan, and Shanghai show lower contributions, though Hainan exhibits a rising trend in the Global Warming Potential index across all stages; (2) The production stage consistently accounts for the largest environmental impact, with notable differences in contributions from Beijing, Ningxia, Inner Mongolia, and Shanghai across the three stages; (3) Environmental impact is not driven by individual factors alone; rather, it is the combination of factors that proves influential. Complex nonlinear relationships are revealed between energy consumption patterns and environmental impacts in the production stage. The combination of transport operating distance and traffic volume has an interaction during the distribution stage. The usage stage leads only to the environmental impact of Eutrophication, which is caused by the resident population and ecological water consumption excluding residential water use. These findings present a new strategy for optimizing energy structure and water resource utilization, and emphasize the synergies to reduce the environmental impacts, providing instrumental implications for policymakers and government managers in environmental management and urbanization development.

A configuration analysis of the driving path of corporate physical investments: Necessary condition analysis and qualitative comparative analysis based on fuzzy sets

A configuration analysis of the driving path of corporate physical investments: Necessary condition analysis and qualitative comparative analysis based on fuzzy sets

Challenges of water environment governance in China: based on a qualitative comparative analysis approach

ABSTRACT As a developing country focused on water pollution control, understanding the mechanisms behind China's water environment governance challenges is crucial. This study uses fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fs/QCA) to develop a localized political-economic-social-technological (PEST) framework tailored to local governance realities, analyzing cases from the second round of Central Environmental Protection Inspection (CEPI). Two critical paths of local water governance challenges (CWEG) are identified: (1) In the 'government capacity constraints” path, stable yet limited official autonomy, combined with weak social supervision, obscures the institutional environment's empowering role and restricts local governance capacity, hindering environmental management effectiveness. (2) In the 'formalism in governance' path, a strong institutional environment, significant fiscal decentralization, robust digital infrastructure, green technology innovation, and low official turnover create a favorable governance environment. However, under the logic of avoiding accountability, formalism may emerge, posing challenges to effective water resource management.

Opportunity recognition in the tension field of knowledge and learning: The case of converging industries

Knowledge-based and learning perspectives alone explain opportunity recognition insufficiently. While knowledge forms the base, learning may help entrepreneurs in novel contexts. Interactions between them add complexity to the analysis of opportunity recognition. Even though many contexts require combinations of knowledge and learning, research on opportunity recognition in these contexts remains scarce. We address this gap with fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) using data from 107 corporate entrepreneurs from converging industries. Converging industries offer a unique context to explore these complexities, requiring entrepreneurs to merge knowledge and learn from new fields. We identify three types with high levels of opportunity recognition: the “broad experienced adapter”, the “specific experienced adapter”, and the “experimenter”. Unlike a simple knowledge-based view suggests, we argue that knowledge is not always necessary. Entrepreneurs compensate for knowledge deficits by combining several learning capabilities. Configurational analysis enriches the theory of how multi-domain knowledge and learning contribute to opportunity recognition.