The Rise of ‘‘Alternative Data’’ Collection Strategy and Business Research: Issues & Prospects

The Rise of ‘‘Alternative Data’’ Collection Strategy

and Business Research: Issues &

Prospects By:

Uzoechi Nwagbara, PhD

Data & Types• Definition: Information, facts or series of measurements or observations that can analysed or evaluated in a bid to make decision or to gain knowledge

• Primary Data• Secondary Data

Data Collection & Access Dilemmas

• Negotiating Access• Personal Safety Issues• Ethical Issues: ‘‘Covert’’ & ‘‘Overt’’ Access Issues • Agreeing Terms – Issue with Publishing Data after Research • Anonymity & Confidentiality Issue • Financial Involvement• Travel/Distance • ‘‘Gatekeepers’’ Dilemma: Public Records, Sensitive Personal Data, Issue of Data Protection, etc

Transcending Access Dilemma: The Rise of ‘‘Alternative Data’’ Collection

• When Primary Data Becomes Primary Data – A Prolegomenon to ‘‘Alternative Data Collection’’?

• De-Politicisation of Data collection Access • The Need for Transparency

A Context of Fields: From Old to New Paradigm

• Understanding Paradigm: ‘‘Basic belief system or worldview that guides’’ (Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill, 2009, p. 106) a searcher or investigator

• Towards a Paradigm Shift • Traditional vs ‘‘Alternative’’ (Contemporary) Research Strategy

Mainstreaming ‘‘Alternative Data’’ Collection Strategy: Towards a New Form of Data Collection Strategy

• Challenging the Norm• Creating and Maintaining New Forms of Data Collection Strategies

• Prospecting for New Horizons• Educating Researchers• Publications for Awareness

Rising Above Quantitative & Qualitative Data Methods ‘‘Separation Thesis’’

• Converting Quantitative to Qualitative• Turning Qualitative to Quantitative • Mixing Both Methods

‘‘Alternative Data’’ & Triangulation: Towards a New Form of Validity & Knowledge

• Understanding Triangulation• Types of Triangulation: Theory Triangulation; Data Triangulation; Methodological Triangulation, Multiple Triangulation & Investigator (Researcher) Triangulation

• Alternative Data & Axiology (Value Preference): Moving from Positivism (Reductionism) to Interpretivism

• From ‘‘Value-free’’ (positivism) to Value-bound’’ (interpretive): Towards Interpretive Research

‘‘Alternative Data’’ Collection Strategy & Business Research

• Creation of New Forms of Knowledge in Business Research• Equipping Managers with New Approaches/Strategies • Advancement Transparency in Research • Rising above ‘‘Politics of Data Collection’’• Arresting ‘‘Information Manufacturing’’• Circumventing Access Dilemmas and Risks (Cowton, 1998)• Turning Secondary Data to Primary Data for Knowledge Advancement • Transcending ‘‘Poor Empericism’’ (Cowton, 1998) – Doctored Information

A Case Study in Personal Experience: My PhD Journey & Documentary Sources • Documentary Data & Knowledge Contribution in Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry

• Triangulating CSR Reports & Chairman’s Statements • Publications form Research: Towards a NEW Form of Knowledge

References • Cowton, C. J. 1998. The use of secondary data in business ethics research. Journal of Business Ethics, 17, 4, pp. 423-434.

• Harris, H. 2001. Content analysis of secondary data: a study of courage in managerial decision making. Journal of Business Ethics, 34, 3-4, pp. 191 - 208.

• Mogalakwe, M. 2006. The use of documentary research methods in social research. African Sociological Review, 10, 1, pp. 221-230.

• Nicholson, S. W. & Bennett, T. B. 2009. Transparent practices: Primary and secondary data in business ethics dissertations. Journal of Business Ethics, 84, 3, pp. 417-425.

• Saunders, M., Phillip, L., & Thornhill, A. 2009. Research methods for business students. (5th ed). Harlow: Pearson.

Questions & Thank You