Anastasia Kulichyova this is a great question. However, I am afraid you would not find a definitive answer as many researchers face the same dilemma. In my opinion, I would say that three to five would be more than enough if you are planning such a "huge sample" (from a qualitative standpoint) on each organization, which could turn your research data so big that could become very challenging to manage (and even explain) at some point.

If you want some useful guidelines I would suggest you read this article:

Creswell, J., & Miller, D. (2000). Determining Validity in Qualitative Inquiry. Theory Into Practice, 39(3), 124-130.

I hope this will be helpful, and let me know if you would like to collaborate on joint research. Cheers!

Thank you Jacob Hidrowoh , a very useful comment. I share this concern about data handling and managing (as a part of qual reseach), but my dilemma is also about quan research and balancing all these matters. I have developed a complex assessment tool (a survey) for the same study, which needs to be proved as reliable and valid. It is not purely original, consists of scales used in previous research, still needs to be tested. For this purpose, I would say the bigger the better. But I agree, the problem of data overload may arise.

I would be interested to discuss a collaboration opportunity, we could discuss this in PM.

I think that you are looking for a triangulation method, and as Jacob Hidrowoh mentioned 3 or 5 would be more than enough for a comparative case study. I don't know what method of qualitative research you want to use - secondary data analysis? Then what is your quantitative way? What is the goal of the study? What are the central hypothesis (testing in statistical methods) or research questions (qualitative approach) - What you want to discover or explain? Then academia members can help you as much we can :)

Are you sure to do mixed methods?

Thank you Adam Sulich for this contribution. In my research, I have two research questions, the study is exploratory in nature. The aim is to investigate the strategic role of HRM as a facilitator of more creative behaviours among employees. It involves action research (I am organising and delivering a range of workshops within case organisations). Quan part - I ask workshop participants to complete online survey (self-assessment) before and after a workshop. Qual part - this involves participant observation during these workshops, as well as interviews. I am dealing with primary data.

As I mentioned in discussion with Jacob Hidrowoh , I need to examine validity and reliability of the online survey. In addition, I need to explore my research problem, the qual part is therefore prioritised. The issue for me is to balance all these matters and have sufficient data for proper analysis and discussion.

Hi Anastasia,

As we know exploratory research, intends merely to explore the research questions and does not intend to offer final and conclusive solutions to existing problems.

So with a HRM/HRD) type of research problem, I suppose a mixed method of qualitative and quantitative is likely to give you a more valid and reliable conclusion. Here it is the issue of the sample; for a mixed method even one organisation can be okay if your sample is good enough to give you sufficient data that will meet the research results.

Thank you Irene Chimoga for this contribution.

Mixed research provides valuable insights into the context and nature of the objective, as the researcher adopts both quantitative as well as qualitative approach in the research study.

Please check below my two researches using a mixed research approach:

Ghouse, Suhail M., McElwee, G. & Durrah, O. (2019). Entrepreneurial Success of Cottage Women Entrepreneurs in Oman; (doi/full/10.1108/IJEBR-10-2018-0691)

Ghouse, S.; McElwee, G.; Meaton, J.; Durrah, O. (2017) "Barriers to rural women entrepreneurs in Oman", International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, 23 (6), pp. 998-1016

Hope it helps!

Best,

Suhail

Bonjour Anastasia Kulichyova and everyone.

I am new to the research area with a vast international background in consultation: specifically in Happiness & Development trying to transfer traditional Human Resources practices to Happiness & Development habits.

My subject is around "Employee happiness at work, in Hotel & Customer services field, in Canada and/or in a "Developed country".

I too am planning to do a mixed method in order to investigate the role of HR practices and Leadership style on Employee's happiness.

I am open for any discussion with anyone of you, specially Anastasia Kulichyova to see if and how we can collaborate.

That said, Hellya Agustina why have you wondered the mixed method?

Have a great week ahead.

Hussein Baalbaki , That sounds like an excellent topic of study. I did a mixed method research study on effects of performance management on employee turnover.

In your topic "The role of HR practices and Leadership style on Employee's happiness".

I'm trying to understand which ones are your variables; IN OTHER WORDS, WHAT HAS THE ROLE OF HR PRACTICES GOT TO DO WITH LEADERSHIP STYLES? Just trying to clearly understand. I hope it is a fair observation?

Hello Hussein Baalbaki , thanks for your contribution to this question and willingness to collaborate with me. Could we discuss this in more detail?

As Irene Chimoga mentioned, I would also be interested to know more about your research (HR practices - some specific practices?, relationship with leadership style) and how you are going to carry it out (your choice of mixed methods research).

Thanks Suhail Mohammad Ghouse for your contribution and sharing some references with me

Bonjour Anastasia Kulichyova & Irene Chimoga and thank you for your comments.

Excuse my ignorance in the research field. I am only 3 months old in my 3 to 5 years trip towards the DBA.

For the time being I dont have a precise question: I am developing it.

What I have though is a field experience from the 4 corners of the world with regards to certain HR practices: IE: Special way to celebrate employees' birthdays and other Leadership communication tools that made the leader get closer to their employees, both of which lead to employees' happiness that was reflected in the results of Employee engagement (or satisfaction) survey.

Very open to any feedback/suggestions.

Merci

Hussein Baalbaki, if you don't mind we can discuss more, email: [email protected]

Merci Irene Chimoga . I sent you an e-mail with all my contacts info.

Looking forward to stay in touch

Thank you Hussein Baalbaki

You can see the following

https://www.researchgate.net/project/Entrepreneurial-Success-of-Cottage-Women-Entrepreneurs-in-Oman

Hello Anastasia,

My suggestion for you is to go for a mix method of Qualitative and Case studies.

Select a particular organization which is best suited to explore/study a particular phenomena. Then, as per the scope of your research questions, select if quantitative or qualitative methods are required.