Title: Challenges in international survey research: a review with illustrations and suggested solutions for best practice

Authors: Anne-Wil Harzing; B. Sebastian Reiche; Markus Pudelko

Addresses: Department of Management and Marketing, University of Melbourne, Parkville Campus, Victoria 3010, Australia ' IESE Business School, Department of Managing People in Organizations, Ave. Pearson, 21, Barcelona 08034, Spain ' Department of International Business, Tübingen University, Melanchthonstraße 30, 72074 Tübingen, Germany

Abstract: When conducting international research projects, scholars face a myriad of challenges that reach beyond those encountered in domestic research. In this paper, we explore the specific issues related to international survey research, focusing on the different stages of the research process that include defining the study population and gaining data access, survey development, data collection, data analysis, and finally publication of the results. For each stage, we review the pertinent literature, provide illustrations based on examples from our own research projects, and offer possible solutions to address the inherent challenges by formulating suggestions for improving the quality of international survey research.

Keywords: international survey research; cross-cultural research; equivalence; best practice; international research projects; research process; research study population; data access; survey development; data collection; data analysis; research publication.

DOI: 10.1504/EJIM.2013.052090

European Journal of International Management, 2013 Vol.7 No.1, pp.112 - 134

Published online: 10 Sep 2014 *