A step-by-step guide of (fuzzy set) qualitative comparative analysis: From theory to practice via an implementation in a B2B context

One of the challenges researchers face in using an analytic method is to fully understand its underlying logic and find ways to successfully incorporate it into the research process. Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) is an example in case, where such a challenge has been partly addressed so far, despite the increasing popularity of the method. Although QCA user guides are widely available, researchers may face difficulties in implementing the method to address real-world, complex social phenomena. To address this issue, the present methodological paper provides a step-by-step guide of QCA and links the background theory of the method to its practical implementation, via an example in the business-to business (B2B) context of open and closed innovation. The paper provides practitioners and researchers alike with a clear roadmap on how to exploit the full potential of the method in order to derive insightful explanations in applied data analysis.