Data equivalence in cross-cultural international business research: assessment and guidelines

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Hult, G. Tomas M.; Ketchen, David J., Jr.; Griffith, David A.; Finnegan, Carol A.; Gonzalez-Padron, Tracy; Harmancioglu, Nukhet; Huang, Ying; Talay, M. Berk; Cavusgil, S. Tamer
• 署名单位: Michigan State University; Michigan State University's Broad College of Business; Auburn University System; Auburn University; University of Colorado System; University of Colorado at Colorado Springs; Ihsan Dogramaci Bilkent University; University of Arizona; Universite de Montreal; HEC Montreal
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS STUDIES
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0047-2506
• DOI: 10.1057/palgrave.jibs.8400396
• 发表日期: 2008
• 页码: 1027-1044
• 关键词: data equivalence; construct equivalence; measurement equivalence; data collection equivalence

摘要

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.