The Research Rigor

Abstract

Once the factors affecting knowledge transfer success and performance in VOs are identified, it is important to understand the nature of the impact of each of these factors on the outcomes. This is best achieved through in-depth research so that inferences can be drawn based on an analysis of actual data. The data need to be gathered and analyzed with care and precision so that one does not arrive at pre-mature conclusions and erroneous generalizations that may not be right all the time. This can be ensured by adhering to the required rigor in research. This chapter discusses the methodology used for conducting this research. It begins by describing the research design and the justification for the approach selected. This is followed by a discussion on the instrument design. It then discusses the scales used in the research model and procedures for fine-tuning the instrument using pre-test and pilot studies. What follows next is a description of the research sites and rationale for their selection, issues relating to data collection highlighting elements of its execution and the sample profile. It describes the procedures used to establish reliability and validity of the scales and ends with an overview of the statistical techniques used for analysis of all the research data.