D3.6 Methodological framework for QCA-based research

This document provides the methodological guidance for carrying out Task 3.3. of assessing impact drivers for Gender Equality Plans, using Qualitative Comparative Analysis. Overall 35 case studies will be carried out, distributed in two waves by 5 Consortium partners.

The deliverable includes a short conceptual framework regarding the identified hindering and facilitating factors that condition the impact of Gender Equality Plans. Different sources of the scientific literature from the US and Europe converge on the importance of for example senior management support, clear targets and objectives, availability of data, the importance of competence development, or the importance of bottom-up, stakeholder buy in among other factors. Although the literature agrees on the list of impact drivers to a large degree, the relative importance and interplay among each other and with other factors remains unclear.

This methodological framework uses a case study research design to capture differences and similarities between gender equality interventions and their impact on gender equality in research performing organisations. The research approach builds explicitly on the fact that similar GEP interventions can produce quite diverging outcomes and impact, depending on the specific combination of interventions and the historical and site-specific context of the organisation. GEP impact is conceived as a product of multiple programme-specific, organisational and wider contextual (e.g., national legislation) factors interacting in a non-linear way. Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) is used as a specific method to unlock the complex interaction among several factors that condition GEP impact.

Fieldwork is divided in two waves, comprising a first wave to carry out 15 in-depth case studies, followed by a second wave of 20 light-weight case studies. These two waves are not only carried out one after the other but also follow a methodological distinction: while the 1st wave of case studies is geared towards in-depth exploration of implemented measures and existing/emerging GEP impact drivers, the 2nd wave of light-weight cases studies will use Qualitative Comparative Analysis for systematic comparison across cases. We therefore build our evidence base on key GEP impact drivers as we advance from bottom-up within-case analysis towards top-down, comparative cross-case analysis during the second wave.

For in-depth case studies, a program evaluation approach will be used, focusing on specific GEP interventions. The results of the first-wave case studies will provide the necessary definitions, calibration and anchors for "sets" used during the second-wave case studies. These sets provide the foundation for carrying out a systematic analysis, using QCA truth-tables.

In addition to a broader conceptual sketch and overall methodological approach, this document provides guidance on case definition and selection, sampling of interview partners, detailed interview guidelines, contacting templates and a minimal codebook for codification of collected documents and interview transcripts. Section 5 also outlines the main analytical topics to be addressed in each individual case study report.