A note on the steps involved in analyzing interview transcripts with theories: for MBA students

A note on the steps involved in analyzing interview transcripts with theories: for MBA students (information from perplexity.ai)

My question 1: "Regarding the task of qualitative data analysis for an MBA dissertation project, I have a specific query about the steps involved in conducting theory-driven analysis on a semi-structure interview transcript. Could you offer a straightforward set of analysis steps to conduct such an analysis, using an illustrative example on the following two cases:

Case 1: to use 2 to 3 leadership theories to analyze 2 interview transcripts of middle managers on their preferred leadership style of their superiors in a 5-star hotel in Hong Kong.

Case 2: to use 2 to 3 innovation capability theories to analyze 2 interview transcripts of middle managers on the innovation capability of their SME manufacturing company in Hong Kong."

The reply: "Let's discuss a clear step-by-step approach to conducting theory-driven qualitative data analysis on semi-structured interview transcripts for your MBA dissertation. We'll use your specific cases: leadership theories applied to hotel middle managers' interviews, and innovation capability theories applied to SME manufacturing middle managers.

Theory-driven analysis means starting with codes and frameworks drawn from existing theories, then applying these systematically to your data, mixing deductive (theory-based) and inductive (data-driven) coding.

Before diving into detailed steps, can you tell me your prior experience with qualitative coding or theory-based analysis? This will help tailor the guidance.

The system question: "How familiar are you with qualitative data analysis using theory-driven coding?"

My reply: "I have some familiarity with the qualitative coding of the grounded theory and thematic analysis. As a part-time MBA student, what I need is some straightforward steps to conduct a qualitative analysis with some useful findings in my dissertation report writing."

The system response: "Great! Since you have some familiarity with grounded theory and thematic analysis, I’ll give you straightforward, practical steps tailored for 

theory-driven qualitative analysis of your interview transcripts, with your MBA dissertation goals in mind."

Theory-Driven Qualitative Analysis Steps

1. Choose Relevant Theories and Define Key Concepts

• Select 2-3 relevant theories for your cases (e.g., Transformational Leadership, Servant Leadership, and Situational Leadership for Case 1).

• Clearly outline their main constructs and definitions.

2. Develop a Coding Framework Based on Theory

• Create a list of codes representing key concepts from your chosen theories.

• Also leave space for inductive codes—new themes emerging from data.

3. Familiarize Yourself with the Data

• Thoroughly read the interview transcripts to immerse yourself and spot initial themes.

4. Apply the Coding Framework

• Code the transcripts deductively using your theory-based codes.

• Note new, unexpected themes inductively.

5. Review and Refine Codes

• Revisit codes for consistency and relevance, possibly merging or splitting codes.

6. Analyze Patterns Across Codes

• Compare how different interviewees reflect theoretical constructs.

• Identify similarities, differences, and patterns.

7. Interpret Findings Through Theoretical Lens

• Explain how data supports, contradicts, or extends the theories.

8. Report Clearly with Examples

• Use quotes from transcripts to illustrate key points and link back to theory.

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Applying to Your Cases

Case 1: Leadership Style Analysis

• Theories: Transformational, Servant, Situational Leadership

• Codes: Inspiring vision, employee focus, adaptability, decision-making style

• Analyze: How middle managers describe superiors’ leadership style matching these constructs

Case 2: Innovation Capability Analysis

• Theories: Dynamic Capabilities, Absorptive Capacity, Organizational Learning

• Codes: Resource mobilization, knowledge acquisition, experimentation

• Analyze: How middle managers perceive their company’s innovativeness relating to these capabilities"

My question 2: "How about analyze the interview transcript with the theories to obtain some findings with evaluation findings and with gaining some actionable knowledge for the purpose of making managerial recommendations?"

The reply: "Great question! To analyze interview transcripts with theories and derive evaluative findings and actionable managerial insights, you want to go beyond just coding and pattern spotting. Here's a practical outline on how to do that:

1. Map Data to Theory

• Use your codes tied to theory to assess strengths and weaknesses in practice, not just describe behaviors.

• Ask: Which leadership or innovation theory aspects are well demonstrated? Which are lacking or problematic?

2. Evaluate Impact and Effectiveness

• Look for evidence of outcomes or consequences linked to the leadership or innovation styles described.

• For example: Does a leadership style promote motivation? Does innovation capability lead to new product ideas?

3. Draw Comparative Insights

• Compare across interviewees for convergence/divergence.

• Which approaches seem more effective or respected? Where do challenges cluster?

4. Identify Gaps and Opportunities

• Identify missing practices or weak areas based on theoretical benchmarks.

• These highlight opportunities for improvement.

5. Formulate Actionable Recommendations

• Translate gaps and strengths into clear managerial recommendations.

• E.g., "Strengthen servant leadership behaviors to improve employee engagement" or "Invest in knowledge-sharing systems to boost absorptive capacity."

6. Link Recommendations Back to Theory

• Frame your recommendations explicitly by referring to the theoretical concepts.

• This shows academic rigor and practical relevance.

Putting it into your MBA report:

• Organize findings section by theory constructs.

• Highlight evaluative insights for each.

• Follow with a dedicated managerial recommendations section."

A collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.