Qualitative Research Methods and Epistemological Frameworks: A Review of Publication Trends in Entrepreneurship^**

* We gratefully thank E&RD, IJEI, and ISBJ, as well as the editors, coeditors, and expert reviewers of JBV, ET&P, JSBM, SEJ, and SBE for their encouragement and advice that helped us comprehend their perspectives and experiences of writing, reviewing, and publishing qualitative research.

Abstract

Though recent assessments of the entrepreneurship field scan the focus, models, purpose, techniques, and data of articles, one area receives less attention: the study of qualitative papers in entrepreneurship, more specifically epistemological frameworks and data analysis methods. This review includes all 111 qualitative papers published between 2007 and 2012 in Journal of Business Venturing, Entrepreneurship Theory & Practice, and Entrepreneurship and Regional Development. The research outlines key methodological issues, examines recent qualitative methodological practices, and identifies new trends. It aims at contributing to a debate about publishing practices, concentrating on qualitative studies, and offers recommendations for researchers seeking to publish.

* We gratefully thank E&RD, IJEI, and ISBJ, as well as the editors, coeditors, and expert reviewers of JBV, ET&P, JSBM, SEJ, and SBE for their encouragement and advice that helped us comprehend their perspectives and experiences of writing, reviewing, and publishing qualitative research.

* We gratefully thank E&RD, IJEI, and ISBJ, as well as the editors, coeditors, and expert reviewers of JBV, ET&P, JSBM, SEJ, and SBE for their encouragement and advice that helped us comprehend their perspectives and experiences of writing, reviewing, and publishing qualitative research.

Notes

* We gratefully thank E&RD, IJEI, and ISBJ, as well as the editors, coeditors, and expert reviewers of JBV, ET&P, JSBM, SEJ, and SBE for their encouragement and advice that helped us comprehend their perspectives and experiences of writing, reviewing, and publishing qualitative research.

1. Available at http://www.harzing.com/download/jql_subject.pdf.

3. Gibbert, Ruigrok and Wicki 2008; Maxwell 1992; Guba and Lincoln 1989; Avenier 2010.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Martine Hlady‐rispal

Martine Hlady‐Rispal is associate professor and research director of Management at the University of Bordeaux.

Estèle Jouison‐laffitte

Estèle Jouison‐Laffitte is associate professor of Management at the University of Bordeaux.