Challenges faced by MNEs using Foreign Direct Investment as a mode of Entry to Saudi Arabia

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CHAPTER 03: RESEARCH METHODLOGY1

Introduction1

Research Method1

Qualitative versus Quantitative Research2

Secondary Research4

Research Design5

Research Instrument6

Questionnaire6

Interviews6

Data Collection7

Sampling8

Data Analysis Method9

Reliability10

Validity11

Ethical Considerations12

REFERENCES13

CHAPTER 03: RESEARCH METHODLOGY

Introduction

This chapter offers the methodology that is adopted for this research in order to meet the aim of the dissertation. Merrigan & Huston (2003, p. 225) has defined research methodology that deals with the way in which the research is carried out in a scientific manner. He also highlighted that the research method is a factor that plays an important role for the researchers as it points out the way in which the data must be collected and the material shall be arranged that it can be followed easily and understood.

This chapter provides an overview of the qualitative and quantitative research, research design, method for data collection, sample, research instrument, data analysis, reliability and validity of the content etc.

Research Method

This research adopts a mixed method. Therefore, both qualitative and quantitative research method are adopted in order to meet the aim. The researcher has broadly embraced the positivist approach, however the objective of this research is to comprehend and disseminate the socio-economic and socio-political factors that are creating bottlenecks for the inflow of FDI in KSA. Therefore, it would be prudent to take a 'pragmatic approach' using the “mixed methods” and the utility of “compensatory design” (Easterby-Smith et al, 2012, p.62) that would enable the author to incorporate and blend both the qualitative and quantitative methods in collection of data to provide credible results. Thus Wahyuni (2012, p.71) suggests that this approach would enable the researchers to “better understand the social reality” and allows the researcher to use this method to investigate the premise from diverse perspectives.

Qualitative versus Quantitative Research

Merrigan & Huston (2003, p. 225) identified two approaches for research, quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative research method focuses on the findings and data quantification. The researcher than has to convert the data in to numerical format and analyse the data with a statistical technique. It is a view of the social reality that is highly objective and based on a proof that is measureable. Various other researchers have contributed to this definition. Quantitative research method is a way through which researches are carried out depending on the amount or quantity measurements. Fowler (2002, p. 12) stated that quantitative research has been defined as an explanation for a phenomenon that has gathered numerical data and analyses data with the application of mathematical methods or approaches.

Qualitative method in comparison to quantitative method is highly geared to a subjectively interpret the data. It also has an emphasis on the opinions and words that are a part of description and the social reality's interpretation. Social reality is changing on a continuous basis and is dynamic; therefore, it is interpreted uniquely by different people in different situations. Qualitative method of research is used more commonly when the problem is more complex and a deeper analysis is required for ...