Learning by doing: six dimensions of complexity in researching SMEs

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to present practical methodological insights into doing research with the owner‐managers of small and medium enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

Practical methodological lessons are reported from a project involving interviews with owner‐managers of a set of 50 firms recruited from a random sample of 500 New Zealand “manufacturing” or “service” firms employing 5‐50 full‐time staff.

Findings

The experiences of the project team were reflected on, refined, and presented as six practical “lessons” to be considered by others contemplating engaging with SMEs to achieve a research objective.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are subjective (in that, they are the opinions and experiences of the researchers involved) and are derived from a specific context (the SME sector in New Zealand).

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the small, but growing, body of literature that specifically deals with “good practice” research methodology in relation to small firms.

Citation

Lewis, K., Massey, C. and Harris, C. (2007), "Learning by doing: six dimensions of complexity in researching SMEs", Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management, Vol. 4 No. 2, pp. 151-163. https://doi.org/10.1108/11766090710754213