Generalisability

Can the results from this study be generalised to the entire Latvian business environment with regard to providing CI? Overall, the reliability of the results of this study is good; however, the number of actors and organisations involved was small, meaning that the study revealed significant trends that could be characteristic of the nature of the phenomenon under study (Cronholm and Hjalmarsson, 2011). The qualitative and quantitative research methods were both consistent with the purpose of the research: to identify knowledge-sharing culture factors for providing CI and to find answers to the question: why does the CI process in Latvian enterprises have inherently weak informative and reversible links? The results of this study revealed and explained regularity of phenomena. The size of the study sample selection was determined by the limitations described in Section 1.3.

The purpose of the qualitative research, conducted through focus group discussions, was to obtain in-depth information on the factors affecting knowledge sharing with regard to CI and to ascertain why the CI process in Latvian enterprises has inherently weak informative and reversible links. The focus groups enabled the revealing of the views of separate individuals on the nature of the problem. A subjective impact on results was avoided as far as possible; however, in qualitative research, it cannot be totally excluded. In the qualitative research stage, analysis directed at disclosure of the sense of the problem was conducted. The data type was descriptive and required for creation of new hypotheses. The data obtained in this stage of the study should be deemed reasonable and sufficient for creation of hypotheses. In Table 38, the reliability and validity of this research is evaluated by dimensions.

Table 38. A risk assessment of the qualitative research

Dimension This study Reliability Internal validity External validity Design

Describing Analysis focused on disclosure of the

difference between well-founded conclusions and tenuous hypotheses was not clearly noticed, preferred thinking)

Thus, when performing qualitative research, there was a risk that observation was free, perhaps even unconscious. If we assume that a knowledge-sharing culture (independent variable) affects CI (dependent variable), in the course of discussion, there is always a possibility of an impact by other undisclosed factor or factors. In order to minimise such an impact in this study, the respondents initially expressed their reflections on the problem of the research issue in writing; then opinions were summarised applying frequency of quotability. This narrowed the topic boundaries and focused on the problem.

In order to carry out the focus discussions, there were descriptive procedures, which led to conclusions and drew attention to those aspects of work that could be subject to risk. In this manner, the most important aspects characterising the researched phenomena were identified. Storage of discussion materials included a written version, allowing an increase in internal validity and a reduction in potential risks. The external validity in the qualitative research carried out in this study was sufficiently high, because these results could be transferred to other environments that differ from the study conditions, for example, to an organisation.

The quantitative part of the study consisted of a questionnaire on the issues of the topic, which was given to people from enterprises registered in Latvia. That is, the general population of the quantitative survey sample selection comprised individuals from enterprises registered in Latvia; the planned size of sample selection had been 70 enterprises, and the actual size of the sample selection was 66 enterprises.

Since there are principally no separate CI departments or units in Latvian enterprises, a focused study sample selection was generally burdened. However, the previous research carried out in Latvia with regard to CI management indicated that CI acts as a process in Latvian enterprises, and the functions are mainly performed by the marketing department. Therefore, from the perspective of participants included in the study, a sampled population was involved– a section of the general population was genuinely studied and built according to certain principles. The size of the study sample selection was determined by limitations of the study (see Section 1.3). In Table 39, possible risks of the quantitative research are assessed.

Table 39. A risk assessment of quantitative research

Dimension This study Reliability Internal validity External validity Design

The reliability of the quantitative research was highly favourable. A uniform approach was provided for this study in case a repeated research was required. This research methodology was developed in consideration of different basic study principles: (1) testing of research instruments was carried out, as well as quality control and adaptation to local conditions. The author conducted the initial test of the questionnaires used in the quantitative research in three organisations, to ensure that they were

was used to conduct the studies can be used in future studies and for comparing the obtained data.

Therefore, the methodology is characterised by repeatability, which is an important condition for data generalisation. (3) The results of the study are verifiable and ensure reliability. Accurate data processing was used for the analysis process, applying the correct methods of statistical analysis and excluding from the study results the cases that were outside the normal distribution of answers. In relation to the construct reliability, Cronbach's alpha for all the questionnaires indicated good measurement properties (see Section 4). The SPSS test ‘evaluate if the question is crossed out’ indicated that alpha did not change significantly if any of the questions were excluded, which indicates that the questionnaire has good process metrics and structure construct;(4) the results are objective.

Summarising the information in Tables 38 & 39, it can be concluded that neither the pure quantitative approach nor the pure qualitative approach offers highly favourable conditions for reliability and validity; however, application of a mixed approach and a combination of the aspects of both approaches, increases the possibility of high reliability, as well as high internal and external validity.