BUILDING QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY TO UNDERTAND BRAZILAN ORGANIZATIONS: Multiple case studies for the proposition of an integrative conceptual model

Abstract

This paper describes the qualitative research methodology utilized in a doctoral dissertation which investigated how Knowledge Management (KM) is conducted in Brazilian organizations. The qualitative research strategy was based on multiple case studies with incorporated units of analysis. Three criteria were used for validation of the results: construct validity, external validity and reliability. The research used multiple sources of evidence: documental research (paper and electronic documents), semi-structured interviews and direct observation. Data analysis was conducted simultaneously through three methods: data reduction, data display and verification/conclusion based on inferences from the evidences or premises. The dissertation proposes an integrative conceptual model for KM grounded on three case studies and on the recommendations of de Eisenhardt (1989) e Yin (2001). These authors state that case studies are valid for building theories and models, as long as they abide by the rigorous methodological procedures they recommend.