Table 4

Methods to ensure trustworthiness of the research process

Research phases
CriteriaDesignCase selectionData collectionContent analysis
CredibilitySelected the GRI-G4 as the theoretical framework to analyse sustainability reports
Adopted the environmental and social sustainability constructs identified in the extant literature
Selected top firms on the Australian Logistics Council DatabaseValidated data using the data triangulation process
Checked reporting data with firms' annual reports and websites
Selected multiple (three authors) coders for coding sustainability reports
TransferabilitySelected top Australian logistics firms which have the highest marketing revenueA detailed description of the sample firms while maintaining their confidentialityDetailed notes of sustainability aspects, indicators and themes included in sustainability reportsDeveloped a consistent coding scheme to code the sustainability reports
DependabilityCase study protocolThe sample frame was selected using the theoretical and purposive sampling approachMaintained confidentiality of the sample firmsAchieved intercoder agreement*
ConfirmabilityCase study protocolCarefully selected logistics firms who have disclosed their consecutive sustainability reportsSecured recorded and stored data
Digital recordings
Data audited for bias and distortion
Validated data using the data triangulation process

Note(s): *Three authors analysed sustainability reports of the sample frame using a developed consistent coding scheme and compared their respective coding sheets to increase intercoder reliability, which was 75%, and met the acceptable level of agreement as suggested by Carey et al. (1996). The authors discussed the coding and achieved the 100% agreement

Source(s): Touboulic et al. (2014) and Shah and Corley (2006) 

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