Qualitative method. As explained in earlier paragraph, the qualitative method was chosen as the research method of this study. Data from the case company’s suppliers were collected by inter- viewing small number of employees. Questions could be answered openly, so it was ex- pected that there would not be much numerical data to analyse. So, this thing favours qualitative method. The simplest memory rule people use to distinguish qualitative and quantitative method is to remember that quantitative method is about analysing numerical data and qualitative method vice versa analysing not numerical data. Like XxXxxxxx (2011) writes, qualitative method is making observations through non-numerical data, and continues, that this approach could be used to help develop hypothesis to potential quantitative research and to gain insight to problem by giving an understanding of underlying moti- vations, opinions and reasons. Data can be collected for example by interviews or case studies. Even group discussions can be used to gather data by participating and making observations. When compared to quantitative method, the qualitative method covers subject in depth and in details. Data is considered to be more powerful because it is based on human experience. (Xxxxxx, 2018.) In his book, Olkkonen (1994) states that one perspective to data collection in qualitative research is hermeneutic, meaning that understanding between researched phenome- non and researcher is central and must be interpreted. There could be areas in research which are hard to measure by statistical methods and needs more understanding. Those areas can be for example observed phenomenon, factual concepts or processes in re- searched area. (Olkkonen, 1994.) The familiarity of research subject is considered to be advantage for the researcher es- pecially in qualitative research done with interviews. Familiarity starts from small things like professional terminology all the way to large scale trends in professional area. This is one of the reasons for choosing qualitative method to conduct this study. Researcher with professional knowledge must remember to explain things in a way that readers un- derstand it.
Qualitative method. Sample and selection:The survey followed by25in-depth interviews with managers and leaders in order to get their perspective on the training needs and the demands for competences needed for working in MMHTs in order to provide safe patient care through effective intercultural communication. Data collection tool:An interview guide was developed (Xxxxx XX), based on the literature review, divided into three thematic areas (intercultural communication, working in multicultural teams and patient safety), and were translated by each partner country according to WHO guidelines.
