Saunders et al. (2003) identify two different approaches to conduct a research. On one hand, using a deductive approach, the researcher develops a theory and hypothesis and then designs a research strategy to test the hypothesis. On the other hand, by using an inductive approach, the researcher would collect data and develop theory as a result of his data analysis.
Although the phenomenon of offshoring stills relatively new, extensive public debate has arisen about its different aspects and a vast number of studies have tried to cover this practice. I have, therefore, chosen to use an inductive approach in my research. Moreover, Saunders et al. (2003) explains that the inductive approach is better aligned with the interpretivist philosophy that I adopt. I will start by studying existing literature from different points of view and I will work with qualitative data using a variety of methods to collect data in order to establish different views of the phenomenon of offshoring.
This will enable me to change methodology to permit alternative explanations of the situation. Qualitative research is conducted in a natural setting and involves proves for building a complex and holistic picture of the phenomenon (Anon, 2004). However, inductive approach suggests a much longer time period over which to collect and analyse the data (Saunders et al., 2003), and it is possible that no meaningful generalisation results from my analysis.