Conducting Qualitative Research in Russia: Challenges and Advice

Summary

This article addresses some of the challenges of conducting qualitative research across cultures, focusing on the challenges of being a Western researcher conducting in-depth interviews in Russia. To conduct quality business research in a foreign cultural setting, it is important to gain understanding of cultural differences that may influence the research and the means of managing them. Despite of a need for more exploratory and theory-generating studies in international business research and growing recognition of the benefits associated with qualitative methods, there has been little examination of specific challenges arising in their application in an international context. This conceptual article is based on literature addressing qualitative research, elite interviewing, and Russian culture, combined with descriptions of the researchers' experiences. It addresses how culture may challenge cross-cultural business research related to gaining access, balancing power, and attaining openness.