Table 3 Data collection and... | Emerald Publishing

Table 3

Data collection and triangulation process

Steps	Description	Details	Outcome
1. Development of Interview Guide	Preparation of interview framework	Developed based on study objectives and the conceptual framework. Includes open-ended questions on themes such as technological, organizational, environmental, and extended factors of innovation characteristics of entrepreneurs	Interview guide was prepared for pilot and formal interviews
2. Formal Interview Process and Purposive Sampling	Execution of formal interviews	Pilot interviews were conducted with 8 entrepreneurial firms (2 firms from each city, selected through random industry size). An additional 8 firms were included, totaling 16 firms for formal interviews. In-person, semi-structured interviews were held with firms’ owners, managers, and other stakeholders such as freelancers. Locations and times were arranged in advance, with follow-up visits for further observations	Data collection involved 16 firms (8 pilot + 8 formal interviews)
3. Snowball Sampling and Additional Interviews	Expansion through referrals	An additional 4 firms were identified through snowball sampling, bringing the total to 20 firms. Interviews were conducted in person using the same interview guide	The sample was expanded to 20 firms, ensuring more diverse perspectives
4. Triangulation and Saturation	Validation and confirmation	Data saturation was reached after 20 interviews. An additional 8 telephonic interviews were conducted to fill in missing information. Final transcripts were shared with participants for approval	Data saturation was achieved with 28 interviews (20 in-person + 8 telephonic). Findings were validated through triangulation
5. Observational Data	Direct and indirect observations	Observations included cryptocurrency adoption infrastructure, payment acceptance, and online presence of firms. These were cross-verified with interviews, reports, and financial records	Data reliability and validity were enhanced through observational insights and cross-checking

Steps	Description	Details	Outcome
1. Development of Interview Guide	Preparation of interview framework	Developed based on study objectives and the conceptual framework. Includes open-ended questions on themes such as technological, organizational, environmental, and extended factors of innovation characteristics of entrepreneurs	Interview guide was prepared for pilot and formal interviews
2. Formal Interview Process and Purposive Sampling	Execution of formal interviews	Pilot interviews were conducted with 8 entrepreneurial firms (2 firms from each city, selected through random industry size). An additional 8 firms were included, totaling 16 firms for formal interviews. In-person, semi-structured interviews were held with firms’ owners, managers, and other stakeholders such as freelancers. Locations and times were arranged in advance, with follow-up visits for further observations	Data collection involved 16 firms (8 pilot + 8 formal interviews)
3. Snowball Sampling and Additional Interviews	Expansion through referrals	An additional 4 firms were identified through snowball sampling, bringing the total to 20 firms. Interviews were conducted in person using the same interview guide	The sample was expanded to 20 firms, ensuring more diverse perspectives
4. Triangulation and Saturation	Validation and confirmation	Data saturation was reached after 20 interviews. An additional 8 telephonic interviews were conducted to fill in missing information. Final transcripts were shared with participants for approval	Data saturation was achieved with 28 interviews (20 in-person + 8 telephonic). Findings were validated through triangulation
5. Observational Data	Direct and indirect observations	Observations included cryptocurrency adoption infrastructure, payment acceptance, and online presence of firms. These were cross-verified with interviews, reports, and financial records	Data reliability and validity were enhanced through observational insights and cross-checking

Source(s): Authors’ own creation