METHODOLOGY
For this paper, I used qualitative research to gain a deeper insight of the experiences and opinions of specific entrepreneurs. Qualitative research was chosen since it is relevant for exploring and understanding social issues (Creswell, 2009).
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The methodological process involved identifying relevant entrepreneurs, conducting preliminary research, developing and conducting interviews, and analyzing the interview data to derive generalized themes. Further, the relevant themes are interpreted and evaluated in the context of the research topic. In order to collect data optimally, I used a semi-structured in-depth interview format. Semi-structured interviews require a set of questions, but the order of the questions may vary and the scope for further questions is flexible (Bryman, 2011). I allowed room for questions to flow through the interviews based on the flow of conversation and key highlights. However, I ensured to ask a few key questions across interviews to ensure a common narrative across all interviews, for valid comparison and analysis. The main focus of the questions was to understand how the entrepreneurs think and act, and how their past experiences have influenced their views.
The selected entrepreneurs are involved in fields of my interest including travel, technology, sustainable development and marketing strategy. While the entrepreneurs are involved across various disciplines, a prime common driving characteristic for interviewing them is their focus on social impact and benefit.
The preliminary research required to identify the entrepreneurs involved researching specific start up companies that I am interested in, and delving deeper into industries I am interested in to find companies and entrepreneurs I found inspiring.
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Two out of the four interviews were conducted over Zoom, while one was conducted in person and one over call. The interviews were recorded via Zoom and voice memos, and later transcripted. Entrepreneurs were located in Australia, Canada, Luxembourg and India.
Interviews were conducted by their specific platforms due to convenience and feasibility.
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RESEARCH LIMITATIONS
The main difficulty with a qualitative study is that it generates a large amount of datasets because it is based on interviews, observations or field researches (Bryman 2011). Moreover, it is important to identify limitations of the study. Entrepreneurship is a subjective field in itself, and the interview analysis is inductive i.e. the data is connected with existing theories and arguments are developed based on my interpretation and understanding. Since the results may be heavily based on my perception or bias, a research limitation is subjectivity and potential bias. In order to prevent any biases, the study will reflect and evaluate all claims in the analysis.
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In addition, the implications that have been shared based on this research can be purported to be directional and not absolute, due to the nature of the research methodology.
