Data equivalence in cross-cultural international business research: assessment and guidelines
- PDF / 165,533 Bytes
- 18 Pages / 595.276 x 793.701 pts Page_size
- 2 Downloads / 171 Views
& 2008 Academy of International Business All rights reserved 0047-2506 www.jibs.net
Data equivalence in cross-cultural international business research: assessment and guidelines G Tomas M Hult1, David J Ketchen Jr2, David A Griffith1, Carol A Finnegan3, Tracy Gonzalez-Padron1, Nukhet Harmancioglu4, Ying Huang5, M Berk Talay6 and S Tamer Cavusgil1 1 Eli Broad Graduate School of Management, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA; 2 Auburn University, Auburn, USA; 3University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, USA; 4Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey; 5University of Arizona, Tucson, USA; 6HEC Montre´al, Quebec, Canada
Correspondence: GTM Hult, Michigan State University, Eli Broad Graduate School of Management, East Lansing, MI 48824-1121, USA. Tel: þ 1 517 353 4336; Fax: þ 1 517 432 1009; E-mail: [email protected]
Received: 23 May 2005 Revised: 12 December 2006 Accepted: 21 August 2007 Online publication date: 22 May 2008
Abstract Data equivalence refers to the extent to which the elements of a research design have the same meaning, and can be applied in the same way, in different cultural contexts. Failure to establish data equivalence in cross-cultural studies may bias empirical results and theoretical inferences. Although several authors have encouraged researchers to ensure high levels of data equivalence, no study has assessed the status of the field in relation to compliance with data equivalence standards. Accordingly, this study examines three aspects of data equivalence (construct equivalence, measurement equivalence, and data collection equivalence) within 167 studies that involve cross-cultural data published in the Journal of International Business Studies, Management International Review, Journal of World Business, Strategic Management Journal and the Academy of Management Journal from 1995 to 2005. The findings indicate that international business researchers report insufficient information in relation to data equivalence issues, thus limiting confidence in the findings of many cross-cultural studies. To enhance future research, a guideline for procedures for researchers to follow and report in establishing data equivalence is offered. Journal of International Business Studies (2008) 39, 1027–1044. doi:10.1057/palgrave.jibs.8400396 Keywords: data equivalence; construct equivalence; measurement equivalence; data collection equivalence
INTRODUCTION Establishing the extent to which concepts, theories, and findings developed in one culture apply in other cultures has long been a primary research area within the field of international business (IB) research (e. g., Sekaran, 1983; Wright, 1970). IB researchers conduct cross-cultural studies for two main purposes: (1) to provide evidence addressing the generalizability of implications across borders; and (2) to understand any culture-specific differences regarding phenomena and relationships (Mintu, Calantone, & Gassenheimer, 1994). Further, cross-cultural studies are becoming increasingly important for research inquiry, teaching, and practice in functional bus
Data Loading...
