Balancing rigour and practicality when conducting large-scale, longitudinal audio diary studies: guidance for business and management research

Abstract

Our paper aims to expand the methodological toolkit by detailing an approach for conducting large-scale audio diary studies in business and management education research. We address two research questions: (1) How can large-scale, longitudinal audio diary studies be conducted in a way that balances rigour and practicality? (2) What methodological challenges arise when implementing a longitudinal audio diary study at scale, and how might these be addressed? We draw on insights from a study with 128 international students in a UK business school who provided a combined 602 reflective audio diary contributions to inform a ten-step process for conducting large-scale audio diary studies. We present a flexible ten-step process, discussing challenges and recommendations regarding participant engagement and retention, technology, data quality, and resource demands. We conclude with examples of four themes for future research applications of audio diary studies: employability perceptions, mental health and well-being, ethical decision-making and corporate social responsibility awareness, and innovation and entrepreneurial mindset development. These research avenues represent opportunities to promote a sustainable career trajectory for individuals and offer societal benefits via a sustainable career ecosystem.

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ORCID for William E. Donald: orcid.org/0000-0002-3670-5374

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