Panel: Overcoming Challenges in Using Qualitative Research Methods to Study Phenomena in Emerging Markets

This panel is motivated by calls to action for international business (IB) research to encompass a greater diversity of phenomena in the world so we can better understand and address contemporary global issues. Empirical settings in emerging markets, in particular, have been identified as under-researched, thereby limiting our collective capacity for IB theory development. Qualitative research methods are well-suited to opening up under-researched phenomena to the scholarly community; however, established practices have largely been developed in market settings. This panel addresses important challenges in their use in emerging markets and provides recommendations for how these challenges may be overcome. Thus, the panel is focused on pushing the boundaries of our field to make it more interesting and impactful, and therefore is strongly aligned with the conference theme.