Qualitative Comparative Analysis Techniques Research Articles

Identifying factors that influence the use of pathogen genomics in Australia and New Zealand: a protocol

IntroductionPathogen genomics, where whole genome sequencing technologies are used to produce complete genomic sequences of pathogens, is being increasingly used for infectious disease surveillance and outbreak response. Although proof-of-concept studies have highlighted the viability of using pathogen genomics in public health, few studies have investigated how end-users utilize pathogen genomics in public health. We describe a protocol for a study that aims to identify key factors that influence the use of pathogen genomics to inform public health responses against infectious diseases in Australia and New Zealand.MethodsWe will use qualitative comparative analysis (QCA), a case-oriented methodology that systematically compares and analyses multiple cases (or ‘units of analysis’), to identify multiple pathways leading to the use of pathogen genomics results in public health actions. As part of the process, we will develop a rubric to identify and define the use of pathogen genomics and individual factors affecting this process. Simultaneously, we will identify cases where pathogen genomics has been used in public health across Australia and New Zealand. Data for these cases will be collected from document review of publicly available and confidential documents and semi-structured interviews with technicians and end-users and summarized in a case report. These case reports will form the basis for scoring each case on the extent of the use of pathogen genomics data and the presence or absence of specific factors such as the ease of extracting essential information from pathogen genomics reports and perceptions toward pathogen genomics. Using the scores, cases will be analyzed using QCA techniques to identify pathways leading to the use of pathogen genomics data. These pathways will be interpreted alongside the cases to provide rich explanations of the use of pathogen genomics in public health.DiscussionThis study will improve our understanding of the key factors that facilitate or hinder the use of pathogen genomics to inform public health authorities and end-users. These findings may inform ways to enhance the use of pathogen genomics data in public health.

Influence of Individualism or Communitarianism of Actors on Opportunism in a Coopetition

This paper attempts to show that opportunism in a coopetitive market can be influenced not only by the individualism of the actors but also by communitarianism. Our theoretical anchor is the contract theory to explain the opportunism of the actors by communitarianism or individualism. We adopted a mixed methodology (quali-quanti). The data used are primary, from the administration of a questionnaire to 207 clandos in a coopetitive market in the alternative transport sector in Gabon. The multivariate qualitative comparative analysis technique (mvQCA) was used. The results indicate that opportunistic behavior in a coopetitive market is explained mainly by national communitarianism (Gabonese), then transnational communitarianism (natives of Central Africa except nationals and natives of West Africa), under conditions specific to each community; Opportunism is subsidiarily explained by the individualism of the actors who paradoxically trust each other in a competitive coopetition but these dishonest actors are paradoxically not sanctioned.

Exploring circular economy strategies of SMEs in the Italian tanning cluster of Arzignano: A multilevel perspective of reactive and proactive strategies

While the Circular Economy predominantly affects large companies and multinationals, its impact on Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) is an emerging research area. This research aimed to unfold the Circular Economy strategies implemented by SMEs within an industrial cluster context. Ten companies from the Italian tanning cluster of Arzignano were selected as case studies. Thematic analysis, pattern-matching, and multi-value Qualitative Comparative Analysis techniques were used to analyze primary and secondary data. Main findings revealed that CE strategies taken by the studied companies were characterized by the economic and efficiency benefits provided, such as resource-saving, waste management, energy use reduction, and materials selection for further recycling. SMEs' management is targeting compliance with environmental regulations/certifications, market pressures, and cost-benefit assessments, evidencing an adaptive behavior to external exigencies. Novel findings came from the meso level, such as a ‘symbiotic circularity’ strategy taken by two SMEs and their value chain for co-production, and the chain actions related to recycling, remanufacturing, and reusing wasted products by partner companies. A cascade chain of interdependent actions toward Circular Economy practices was also identified within the cluster level. Reactive and proactive Circular Economy strategies were identified in a multilevel framework.

Riding the Waves of Change: Using Qualitative Comparative Analysis to Analyze Complex Growth Patterns in Entrepreneurship

Studying temporal change using Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) allows researchers to examine complex and dynamic causal pathways between configurations of time-based conditions and a desired outcome. No comprehensive QCA technique currently addresses complex temporal changes in a unified manner. To remedy these shortcomings, we introduce Growth Pattern QCA—a mixed-method technique for studying complex growth dynamics. We integrate a quantitative computational toolkit for calculating growth slopes with QCA and demonstrate it using an illustrative multiyear panel. We offer practical guidance for researchers to apply these mixed methods for analyzing and forecasting complex growth patterns in various entrepreneurship research settings. We also review existing techniques and provide a decision roadmap of time-related QCA methods for researchers to use the best option for their research objectives.

Ambiguity among Partners: Understanding Power and Perception Under Conditions of Mutuality

Abstract Power is a construct that is relevant anytime two actors come together. Typically power examinations have been focused on assessments among actors with asymmetrical power profiles. We argue existing characterizations of power are insufficient to understand perceptions of relationship quality when partners have a more balanced power profile. This is the case with an important class of partnerships—those between governments and philanthropic Foundations. We assessed power mutuality and its effects on relationship quality with a mixed methods approach, relying heavily on fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis techniques and interview data. Our findings point to new insights into those power relationships typically examined in the extant literature, those with asymmetry, as well as under condition of mutuality. With regard to asymmetrical power, we point to needed investigation into the role of intangible resources, such as knowledge and legitimacy, to achieve goals, rather than the predominant focus on financial and other tangible resources. With regard to conditions of mutuality, we illustrate that mutuality yields relational ambiguity in the relationship and results in partner tension. Furthermore, our study finds that under conditions of mutuality, resource contributions from the benefactor need to address instrumental organizational needs, not just needs that contribute to mission outcomes.

Factors affecting the adaptation of olive oil organizations to covid-19

The covid-19 pandemic has had catastrophic effects on the global economy. The olive oil sector, whose producers were already undergoing their own crisis, has also clearly been affected by this situation. Despite Spain’s world leadership in olive oil production, the added value that this product can generate has not been maximized. Falling prices and supply saturation are the problems that have been most highlighted and to which covid-19 has added. Faced with such a situation, the digitalization of the olive mill has gone from being a recommendation to an essential factor in avoiding the paralysis of its activity. In this context, the objective of this study is to detect the organizational factors that have been associated with a better adaptation of the organizations to the current complex situation. To this end we have made use of the fuzzy sets Qualitative Comparative Analysis technique which makes it possible to contrast different variables in order to explain a result, overcoming the limitations of more traditional techniques. The results obtained reveal that the cooperative form, the degree of innovation, the training of the top managers and the flexibility and size of the organization are factors that contribute to a better adaptation of the olive mill to the situation caused by covid-19.

Driving traffic to the museum: The role of the digital communication tools

• This study analyzes the combined impact of three digital tools as traffic generators to museums. • Using a qualitative comparative analysis technique 17 international museums was analyzed. • Social networks and virtual communities play together a major role in driving visits to museums. • Museum managers must be prepared for much more demanding digital communications. The emergence of new technologies is revolutionizing the way organizations communicate and interact with consumers, and the tourism industry, including museums, is no exception. Thus, the use of digital communication tools has become widespread, significantly expanding the horizons of communication. Previous studies show that museums use different digital communication tools to enhance the user experience and generate visitor traffic to the museum. However, they focus on a single digital communication tool, such as a website or social networks. This research aims to analyze the combined impact of websites, social networks and virtual communities as traffic generators to museums. Using a qualitative comparative analysis technique (fsQCA), a sample of 17 international museums was analyzed. The results show that social networks and virtual communities together play a significant role in visitor footfalls in museums. This research contributes academically to the knowledge and explanation of the effects of digital communication tools. Finally, both theoretical and managerial implications are considered.

A configurational analysis of HRM systems in Family SMEs

Although traditionally applied separately, this study combines two theoretical perspectives - the stewardship and the agency perspective - and two HRM approaches – the commitment-based and the control-based HRM approach - to uncover configurations (HRM systems) of family SME-context influences and HRM practices able to create employee retention and productivity in family SMEs. We examined organizational outcomes provided by HRM systems using data from a sample of 623 family SMEs. Using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis techniques, we found that the family SME-context influences and HRM practices are necessary, but not always sufficient, conditions for employee retention and productivity. Further, our results show that the family SME-context influences can fulfill substitute or complementary roles when they interrelate with well-developed bundles of HRM practices. Accordingly, this study highlights the need for studying the co-creation effects on employee retention and productivity in family SME HRM research, that is, how family and non-family managers and HRM practices interrelate for explaining employee retention and productivity in family SMEs.

Trading‐off flexibility: Contingent workers or human resource practices? A configurational approach

AbstractAtypical work has been proven to worsen employment conditions, reduce labour productivity and hinder firms from competing in higher quality market segments, yet companies still hire atypical workers to provide flexibility in response to unstable market conditions. Previous research has examined the relationship between specific job features and the incidence of atypical work. Using a fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis technique, we analysed interviews of service firms’ managers to identify configurations that limit the use of atypical workers. We found evidence that firms limit the use of atypical contracts not only in cases of firm‐specific and complex tasks but also in cases of simple and nonspecific tasks when supported by human resource management practices that aim to increase internal flexibility. Firms can take advantage of a stable workforce by strategically using human resource management flexibility practices as an alternative to labour market flexibility.

Decision-Making Quality of Public Managers: Contributions from Intelligence and Knowledge Management

ABSTRACT Context: in recent years, studies have sought to analyze how intelligence and knowledge management processes are understood and applied in the context of public management, environments in which processes appear as a point to be explored to enhance decision-making quality. Objective: to analyze how public managers apply intelligence and knowledge management aiming at a higher decision quality. Method: based on a defined and validated research protocol, interviews were conducted with seventeen public managers in southern Brazil. For the analysis, the qualitative comparative analysis technique using fuzzy sets was applied. Results: the results suggest the importance of effective data, information, and knowledge management for the decision-making quality of public managers, demonstrating that the absence of decision-making quality is directly related to the absence or little use of knowledge management and intelligence elements in the public management. Conclusion: in addition to analyzing conditions and proposing ways to lead to greater quality in decision making by public managers, it was possible to contribute to the theme of knowledge management and intelligence in public management, as well as to benefit the government with paths to be consolidated and better explored.

Decision-Making Quality of Public Managers: Contributions from Intelligence and Knowledge Management

ABSTRACT Context: in recent years, studies have sought to analyze how intelligence and knowledge management processes are understood and applied in the context of public management, environments in which processes appear as a point to be explored to enhance decision-making quality. Objective: to analyze how public managers apply intelligence and knowledge management aiming at a higher decision quality. Method: based on a defined and validated research protocol, interviews were conducted with seventeen public managers in southern Brazil. For the analysis, the qualitative comparative analysis technique using fuzzy sets was applied. Results: the results suggest the importance of effective data, information, and knowledge management for the decision-making quality of public managers, demonstrating that the absence of decision-making quality is directly related to the absence or little use of knowledge management and intelligence elements in the public management. Conclusion: in addition to analyzing conditions and proposing ways to lead to greater quality in decision making by public managers, it was possible to contribute to the theme of knowledge management and intelligence in public management, as well as to benefit the government with paths to be consolidated and better explored.

Influence of Platform Characteristics on Purchase Intention in Social Commerce: Mechanism of Psychological Contracts

Social commerce is an emerging platform that entails different social features to attract the attention of online consumers. Borrowing insights from the psychological contract theory, this study examines the characteristics of social commerce platforms, such as platform interactivity and rating and reviews that influence the consumers’ purchase intentions. An online survey of 430 consumers was conducted on a popular social commerce site in China. Partial least squares structural equation modeling and fuzzy sets qualitative comparative analysis techniques are used to analyze this mediation model. The results reveal the positive relationships between (1) psychological contract and purchase intention; (2) platform interactivity and relational contract; and (3) rating and reviews and transactional contract. Besides, partial mediating effects of relational contract, on the relationship between platform interactivity and purchase intention, and transactional contract, on the relationship between rating and reviews and purchase intention, are also observed. Moreover, fuzzy sets qualitative comparative analysis validates the robustness of platform characteristics with psychological contracts and purchase intentions. Overall findings suggest that the platform characteristics have the potential to transform consumers’ purchase intentions through psychological contracts. The study provides new insights on consumers' behavior in social commerce milieus, along with its theoretical and practical implications.

Global and Local CSR Strategies in Foreign-Owned Subsidiaries: The Role of Networks and Competencies


 The purpose of this research is to investigate the role of networks and competency dimensions in determining the corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy of foreign-owned subsidiaries. Survey data has been collected from subsidiary managing directors and analysed using structured equation modelling and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis techniques. We show that networks and competencies can have competing as well as complementary effects on the global and local CSR strategies. For instance, inter-organisational network strength and competencies in high primary value chain activities seem to drive global as well as local CSR activities. However, the case is more complex for intra-organisational network relationships and subsidiaries with competencies in supporting value chain activities. The originality of this paper lies in the detailed investigation of how network relationships and competencies affect global and local CSR strategy development. We also provide novelty in applying a combination of symmetric (SEM-PLS) and non-symmetric (fsQCA) analytical techniques.

The role of networks, competencies, and IT advancement in innovation performance of foreign-owned subsidiaries

While networks, competencies, and information technology are key factors to drive innovation performance, they are frequently investigated on a separate basis. Further, their interplay and contingency have hitherto received scant attention. We propose and empirically test a framework based on the configurational perspective encompassing prevailing network theory and the competence-based view of the firm. Survey data from 235 foreign-owned subsidiaries located in Singapore and Thailand was analyzed using fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis technique. We found that information technology advancement and high overall competence levels are important asset bundles for the occurrence of high innovation performance outcomes. However, we also determined that it is important for some subsidiaries to maintain strong interfirm network relationships for innovation performance, especially in combination with higher information technology advancement. In addition, the role of network strength as a cause of innovation performance seems also dependent on the business environment and practices of the host country. In addition, we also show that innovation performance is an important factor facilitating market performance.

Configurational demographic predictors of work–nonwork satisfaction

AbstractContemporary work–life balance research tends to treat demographic variables as moderators, grouping variables, or control variables influencing work and nonwork satisfaction. Yet earlier theories were premised on the assumption that they are, in fact, predictors of work and nonwork satisfaction even though those assumptions have not yet been tested empirically. Drawing on an Australian study comprising 798 white‐collar employees and using a fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis technique, we investigate demographic variables as potential configurational predictors affecting work–nonwork satisfaction, defined as a combination of work satisfaction and nonwork satisfaction. The analysis revealed different scenarios and specific patterns between configurational solution terms leading to work–nonwork satisfaction. Employment status and age of children (specifically age differences between children) were the most important demographic variables influencing employees' work–nonwork satisfaction.

A configurational perspective on subsidiary top management team national diversity and performance

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate what role national top management team diversity (TMTD) plays in foreign-owned subsidiary performance. The authors develop a conceptual framework based on the asset bundling model and the neo-configurational perspective to argue that the impact of TMTD on subsidiary performance depends on its conjunction with other assets.Design/methodology/approachThe authors test our framework on a sample of subsidiaries located in the emerging economies of Thailand and Taiwan. The authors utilise structural equation modelling and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis techniques.FindingsThe results indicate that TMTD can contribute and hurt subsidiary performance depending on its bundling with other assets such as organisational network strength, competencies, as well as regional and cultural differences between the home and host country.Originality/valueThis is one of the first studies to empirically test the asset bundling model in the context of national TMTD in foreign-owned subsidiaries using a configurational approach.

Using QCA to explain firm demography in the European Union

Entrepreneurship is currently considered one of the major foundations of economic growth. There is a strong tendency to understand entrepreneurship as technology, self-employment, new ideas, innovation, or wealth creation. We can thus expect more developed countries to show higher growth rates, given the importance of firms' development for economic and social growth. For this reason, it is important to determine the conditions that have the greatest influence on entrepreneurship dynamics at the macroeconomic level. Using firm birth and death rates (related to business dynamics and entrepreneurship), we focus on the European Union and use qualitative comparative analysis techniques to determine the necessary and sufficient conditions for business dynamics. After dividing the whole EU sample into cohesion and non-cohesion countries, we find that entrepreneurship in cohesion countries is driven by necessity, while in non-cohesion countries, it is driven by opportunity.

The human experience of social transformation: Insights from comparative archaeology.

Archaeologists and other scholars have long studied the causes of collapse and other major social transformations and debated how they can be understood. This article instead focuses on the human experience of living through those transformations, analyzing 18 transformation cases from the US Southwest and the North Atlantic. The transformations, including changes in human securities, were coded based on expert knowledge and data analyzed using Qualitative Comparative Analysis techniques. Results point to the following conclusions: Major transformations, including collapses, generally have a strong and negative impact on human security; flexible strategies that facilitate smaller scale changes may ameliorate those difficulties. Community security is strongly implicated in these changes; strong community security may minimize other negative changes. The relationships among the variables are complex and multi-causal; while social transformation may lead to declines in human securities, declining conditions of life can also push people to transform their societies in negative ways. Results show that some societies are better able to deal with difficulties than others. One important policy implication is that community security and local conditions can be instrumental both in helping people to cope with difficulties and in staving off some of those difficulties. A multi-scalar approach is essential as we face the increasing problems of climate change in the decades ahead.

Explaining autonomy variations across value‐chain activities in foreign‐owned subsidiaries

This article is one of the first to combine the asset bundling model and neo‐configurational perspective to explain autonomy variations across different value‐chain activities in foreign‐owned subsidiaries. We develop tentative answers to three research questions based on survey data of subsidiaries located in Taiwan and Thailand. We use fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis technique to analyze the data. We found that competence bundles in primary and support activities are key for autonomy development across basic and advanced value‐adding activities. Strong relationships with local business networks are more important for autonomy development than links to universities or governmental institutions. The global city location plays a lesser role than expected and the geographic distance is a hindrance to autonomy development in basic as well as advanced value‐chain activities.

Uncovering configurations of HRM service provider intellectual capital and worker human capital for creating high HRM service value using fsQCA

Although traditionally applied independently, this study combines two theoretical perspectives – the intellectual capital theory and the consumer perspective – to uncover value-creating configurations of human resource management (HRM) service providers' and workers' knowledge resources. We examined workers' perceptions of the value of provided HRM services using data from a sample of more than 2000 workers and the HR professionals that serve them. Using fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis techniques, we found that the HRM provider's intellectual capital is a necessary, but not always sufficient, condition for high HRM service value. Further, our results show that workers can fulfil a ‘substitute for competence role’ when they rely on their own well-developed knowledge and skills to substitute for HRM professional inabilities. Accordingly, this study highlights the need for studying value co-creation in HRM research, that is, how both HR professionals' and workers' attributes and actions interrelate for explaining the outcomes of HRM services.