Approaching the Data Collection Challenge

The research has identified Grounded Theory methodology, which promotes the development of theory through the research itself, allowing ideas and concepts to emerge through the research. In applying the spiral approach (Berg, 2007) the research will continually gather, analyse and review data at the various stages of the study. Allowing the study to develop and hone theoretical ideas and concepts around values, leadership and organizational development. Literature suggests these first steps into the research domain should be conducted with small rather than larger units of data (Goulding, 2002): supporting the study’s proposal to carry out the data collection in several phases: allowing analysis and refection, at each stage of the process. Yet, the research design has not outlined possible numbers of participants for the study, which may be seen as critical error. However, the study has already clarified the research methodology, being Grounded Theory, which does indicate the need to continue with data collection until saturation has been achieved (Goulding, 2002). Indicating the need to keep an open mind on participant numbers required to complete the research. Nevertheless, before making any rash recommendations the study should acknowledge the need to produce manageable and focused data. Furthermore, Berg (2007) indicates research needs to clarify the research population, which is realistic and manageable, whilst maintaining the focus on working around the proposed research question(s). Table, 5.3 provides an outline of the sampling parameters and proposed solutions to meet these initial sampling parameters. The principles behind the sampling are to ensure the sampling activities for the study remain within the research framework and questions.

Table 5.3 Sampling Parameters

Sampling Parameters Proposed

Setting Two small to medium size voluntary

sector organization.

Actors Leader and staff representatives

Events One to one semi structured interviews

Processes

Open discussions, which are recorded and transcribed, review of transcribed

The current study will be carrying out the research within the ‘Voluntary and Community Sector’. Therefore, if the study plans to complete field research, within two small voluntary sector organization it would be impractical to complete interviews with all participating representatives during the first phase of data collection.

Particularly, when considering the theoretic recommendations for Grounded Theory outlined within literature, which suggests Grounded Theory studies need to continue to build on the sampling aspects of the research as the study develops. The sampling within the study is directed by the theory, Goulding (2002) states the sampling is an on-going process of data collection and analysis which in turn directs the research to further sampling. This will provide the study with an opportunity to examine and develop theory, but will allow casual links to be made within the study, supporting the recommendations of Goulding (2002) when carrying out Grounded Theory research. Literature suggests Grounded Theory take a theoretical sampling approach, whereby theoretical sampling cannot know in advance what to sample for and where it will lead (Goulding, 2002; Coyle, 1997). Grounded Theory groups are selected when they are needed not prior to the research. Since the research is working within the domain of leadership, a leader, follower sample would be an important element to consider. Furthermore, the study intends to study values alignment; therefore, team members who potentially have an overview of internal values would also be advantageous. In taking this into consideration the study recommends the initial stage involve several formal leaders from within the organizations. Glazer (1992) may argue this is not theoretical sampling but open sampling, which is purposefully selecting people and places. However, the study has indicated the study is planning to research within the VCS, there are 2 organizations who have agreed to participant in the research and in initial discussions individuals have been put forward to interview. In that sense it could be argued this is theoretical sampling since the actors have come out of the participating organizations which have emerged through the research. In analysing the data collected through the initial data collection phase further theoretical sampling will be proposed, which aim to gather further data from relevant representatives and

sources within the two organizations participating within the study.

In addition to the theoretical sampling discussed the study will be applying a ‘constant comparative’ method. This is often associated with statistical data; however,

Goulding (2002) indicates this can be used for social units of any size. This allows the research to look for emerging patterns and themes, conceptual ideas can be developed by comparing divers or similar which indicates same conceptual categories. Therefore, in supporting the comparative method the study shall select two local small/medium sized VCS organizations.

In gaining approval and access to the organizations and staff, an introductory letter and flyer (Appendix, I and II) was sent to the head of the organizations, their titles being Chief Executive Officer and Chief Officer. A letter of approval was returned

indicating the organizations were happy to participate in the study and an initial meeting was established to discuss the specifics of the research. Initial interviews were carried out within two representatives, in leadership roles within both

participating organizations. Two participants were selected after meetings were held with senior managers to ensure staff where aware of the research at this initial phase of data collection. This resulted in two representatives from each organization agreeing to participate in the initial data collection phase and completing the relevant consent forms, (Appendix, III). Literature may interpret this sampling strategy outlined for the initial data collection phase as purposive samples, since the researcher is using special knowledge about the organizations and the structure of staff within the chosen

organization (Berg, 2007). However, the study would argue this is theoretic sampling since initially the research has made a decision to engage with the most obvious choice of participants in the first steps of gathering data. In this situation, one leadership role and direct subordinate, who has leadership responsibilities within each organization; who deliver core services within the organizations. The rationale behind this statement can be linked to the area of researching which is focused on values alignment in VCS organizations, particularly the leader and follower elements.

The systematic data analysis will be discussed later on in the chapter, however in moving forward with the research. The study proposed a multi stage data collection model which incorporated the systematic data analyses throughout. Figure 5.2

provides an overview of the process, in completion of each stage, prior to further data collection been carried out analysis took place. This was then followed with a review of questions and identification of further interviewees to participate in the study. The purpose of the interview questioning approach would allow the study to delve deeper

into the values field proposed within the study. Appendix IV; outlines the questions and prompts utilised in the study, the aim of the questions were to support the

development of emergent ideas and themes through the experiences of the participants. Figure 5.2 Data Collection Process