Qualitative research in finance

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of qualitative research to encourage finance researchers to apply a more diverse approach to current research practices. Social science researchers recognize that research questions should determine what research paradigm is best for each study. Imagine the benefits to finance if we expand our empirical sources of data to include what people have to say, which then allows us to explore the complex reasoning behind these conversations. It is the intent of this paper to enhance our current research practices in finance through the use of qualitative methods and to view this approach as an invaluable supplement or prelude to existing practices. © The Author(s) 2013.