Methods and Methodologies in Cross Cultural Research
June 2 to 6, 2025
University of Vaasa, Vaasa, Finland
Organizers
The European Institute for Advanced Studies in Management (EIASM)
The Finnish doctoral program in business studies (KATAJA)
LEARNING GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Aim
Due to globalization and higher international trade volumes there is an increasing trend in management research to conduct cross-cultural, cross-national and cross-disciplinary studies. Methods and methodology for comparative studies, however, require special knowledge and special skills. Researchers involved in cross-cultural research projects need to be familiar with the cross-cultural research methods and even be able to create novel methods and techniques in order to increase the validity, reliability, and trustworthiness of cross-cultural research. The empirical design becomes even more complicated, when studies are conducted in transitional and developing economies.
The course provides knowledge in:
– designing theory based cross-cultural/ international studies
– conducting cross-cultural research
– quantitative and qualitative cross-cultural comparative methodology
– doing research in transitional and developing economies
– doing research outside your own home country
Learning objectives
After the course the participants are familiar with relevant methodological literature on cross-cultural methods. They are able to use the literature as a guideline for their own methodological choices. The participants will understand the difficulties but also the opportunities of conducting cross-cultural research. The participants will receive knowledge, understanding and preparedness to independently develop skills in conducing empirical cross-cultural research.
TARGET GROUP
Doctoral students and post-doctoral researchers who are conducting or are aiming to conduct comparative cross-national/cultural or international research. The participants should be doctoral students or faculty members of universities of KATAJA or cooperation partners of KATAJA. Participation is also possible via The European Institute for Advanced Studies in Management (EIASM).
Number of participants
Maximum 25 participants will be accepted to the course.
INSTRUCTIONS AND EXAMINATION
Examination
In order to pass the course, you are required to
• send in a one-page research proposal with emphasis on methods ONE week before the start of the course at the latest
• prepare 3 Powerpoint slides for your brief research proposal presentation in the beginning of the course, include a figure summarizing your project
provided your doctoral research project is an advanced enough phase
(other participants are expected to advance their projects and discuss them towards the end of the course)
• read literature marked in bold letters for each session (see “Readings” in the program) prior to the seminar
• be active during the sessions and contribute to discussions
• hand in a revised research proposal focusing on cross-cultural methods after the course (deadline to be announced) that reflects the course literature (articles, books, and slides) as well as other information given during the course (ca. 10 pages)
• in order to get credits you need to pass all the above parts of the course
Credits: 6 ECTS
Grading: 1-5; (10% initial research proposal, 10% presentation of initial research proposal, 30% class participation, 50% revised research proposal)
PROGRAMME COORDINATOR AND INSTRUCTORS
Instructors
• Professor Hartmut H. Holzmueller, TU Dortmund University, Germany: Culture theory, multi-centric team management, experiences from cross-cultural research, qualitative/ explorative research methodology, Hartmut Holzmueller – Academic Website
• Professor Edwin Nijssen, Eindhoven University of Technology, the Netherlands: Research designs, use of borrowed scales, experiences from cross-cultural research, Edwin Nijssen – Academic Website
• Professor Thomas Salzberger, Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien, Austria: Measurement theory, emic and etic methodology, quantitative cross-cultural research, Thomas Salzberger – Academic Website
Course coordinator and contact information
• Minnie Kontkanen, University of Vaasa, School of Marketing and Communications, minnie.kontkanen@uwasa.fi
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications
Because the course is organized with EIASM, students apply by registering online 4 months prior to the beginning of the course through EIASM website: REGISTRATION HERE. The deadline for registration is 10th of February.
PRACTICALITIES
Time and location
The seminar will be held at the University of Vaasa, Vaasa, Finland..
The programme will take place June 2 to 6, 2025
Hotel accommodation
You are requested to make your own hotel arrangement.