Gaining access for data collection

Gaining access to high-quality data is a challenge for researchers in operations and supply chain management. Empirical research, particularly case studies, require in-depth data and information from key personnel in the organisation and gaining access to these potential participants can be difficult. Some organisations are simply not interested or are secretive about their operations or simply do not have the time to meaningfully engage with researchers. Several practical approaches are suggested in this chapter together with a typology of organisations which are susceptible or amenable to working with researchers is provided. Self-selection bias is a problem in all areas of research where access is required to organisations and is a consideration that needs to be understood while attempting to develop qualitative and quantitative research. A checklist of the way a researcher could go about making approaches to potential organisations and negotiating access is provided. Health and safety, ethical, confidentiality considerations and consent are discussed as part of the process of negotiating and gaining access to organisations.