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CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction

Research Design and Rationale

This chapter illustrates the detailed research design and rationales in this study. The

critical arguments will be factored and developed. The rationales and research designs of this

study elaborates details of research components in regard with selection criteria and research

methods. Therefore, the research methods selected in this study represents various phenomenon

and philosophical positions of the study approaches integrated in the investigating the topic. The

rationale and research designs presents theoretical justification of developing effective research

methods in answering the relevant research methodology.

The main objective of this chapter is to understand the application of methodological

approaches. Therefore, this research will employ a qualitative research approach since it allows

for a deep understanding of the experiences and perspectives of entrepreneurs and their social

networks in the context of business incubators. Qualitative methods, including interviews and

focus groups, enable the exploration of complex phenomena in real-world settings. A

phenomenological approach will be selected to explore the subjective experiences of

entrepreneurs and their social networks concerning social capital and leadership development

(Chen et al., 2021). Phenomenology seeks to understand the meaning of lived experiences as

described by participants.

Possible research designs, such as a quantitative survey, may have been less effective

because they may have yet to capture the richness of entrepreneurs' experiences and perspectives
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and social networks. A survey may also have limitations in exploring the complex social

relationships and interactions that contribute to social capital in business incubators. However,

the qualitative approach has some constraints, such as the small sample size, which can limit the

generalizability of the findings (Al-Shehab et al., 2021). Moreover, quantitative research is time-

consuming and may require significant staffing and data analysis resources. Therefore, the

qualitative phenomenological approach was selected as the most appropriate methodological

approach for this study because it provides an in-depth understanding of the subjective

experiences and perspectives of entrepreneurs and their social networks about social capital and

leadership development in business incubators in Bahrain.

The Researcher’s Role

As an observer, participant, or observer-participant in qualitative research investigating

the influence of Social Capital on the leadership development of Entrepreneurs of business

incubators in Bahrain, my role would be crucial in collecting accurate data and ensuring the

ethical standards of research are upheld.

Observer role: As an observer, I will be required to observe the participants' interactions

without actively participating in their activities. My role would be taking notes and documenting

observations (Andrews, 2010). This role would be suitable for situations where I cannot

participate in the activities due to the nature of the research or cultural reasons.

Participant role: As a participant, I will participate in the studied activities. In this role, I am

required to participate fully in entrepreneurs' activities in Bahrain's business incubators. As a

participant, I will collect data by experiencing firsthand what the entrepreneurs’ experience. This
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role would be suitable for situations where the activities cannot be observed from the outside or

when the research requires active participation.

Observer-participant role: As an observer-participant, I would take both roles, i.e., an observer

and a participant. In this role, I will be involved in the activities being studied, have a critical

perspective, and observe interactions between the participants (Shiavio et al., 2020). This role

will be suitable when the research requires observational and participatory methods.

Personal and professional relationships: As a researcher, I will disclose any personal or

professional relationships with the participants that could affect the research. If I have any prior

relationships with the participants, such as friends, family members, or colleagues, I must

acknowledge them in the research report (Hewitt & Van Rensburg, 2020). Knowing the potential

power dynamics rising from such relationships and how they influence the participants'

responses is important. Any biases arising from such relationships should be addressed

transparently and minimized as much as possible.

Power differentials: Power differentials can exist between the researcher and the participants,

especially if the participants are in a vulnerable position or hold a lower social or economic

status. Recognizing and managing these power differentials is essential to ensure that the

research is conducted ethically. Strategies to address power differentials include gaining trust

and rapport with participants, ensuring their confidentiality and anonymity, and providing them

with incentives or compensation for their participation.

Ethical issues: Ethical issues that may arise in this research include studying within my work

environment, potential conflicts of interest or power differentials, and justifying incentives. To

address these issues, I will ensure that the research is conducted with the utmost respect for the
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participants and their confidentiality (Yin, 2008). I would ensure that the incentives are not

coercive and does not unduly influence participation. Furthermore, I will see to it that the

participants understand the research objectives and are fully informed of their rights before

participating in the study (Redondo & Camarero, 2019). If any conflicts of interest arise, I would

disclose them transparently and take steps to minimize their potential impact on the research.

Therefore, as a researcher my role would be critical in ensuring the ethical standards of

research are upheld, and accurate data is collected. My role may vary depending on the nature of

the research, and any personal or professional relationships with the participants should be

disclosed transparently (Hewitt & Van Rensburg, 2020). I should manage power differentials and

transparently address ethical issues to ensure that the research is conducted with the utmost

respect for the participants and their confidentiality.

Methods

This chapter provides a concise summary of the procedures to be carried out to collect

and organize the data that forming the foundation of the study. In this research, the qualitative

research method will be employed to investigate the influence of social capital on the leadership

development of entrepreneurs of business incubators in Bahrain. The research will be conducted

in three phases: data collection, analysis, and report writing. In-depth interviews and focus group

discussions are effective data collection methods (Noble & Heale, 2019). Content analysis,

thematic analysis, and discourse analysis are effective data analysis methods. Trustworthiness

and ethical considerations are critical in ensuring the accuracy and validity of the research

findings.
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Data Collection

The data collection phase of this research will involve two primary methods: in-depth

interviews and focus group discussions.

In-depth interviews

I will involve entrepreneurs of business incubators in Bahrain in a private and quiet

location while conducting the interview. I will begin by establishing rapport with the participants

and explaining the purpose of the study. Encourage the participant to share their experiences in

their own words, and use follow-up questions to clarify and explore their responses (Yin, 2008).

I will use questionnaires for the interviews and record to ensure that the participant's responses

are accurately recorded. The interviews will last between 45-60 minutes per respondent. The

semi-structured interviews will enable the participants to express their opinions and experiences

about social capital and leadership development. I will record the interviews, either by audio or

video, and ensure that all responses are accurately captured. Then inform participants that the

interviews will be recorded and obtain their consent. The recordings will be stored securely to

protect the confidentiality of the participants.

Semi-structured interviews

I will conduct Interviews with entrepreneurs in business incubators in Bahrain to

understand their experiences with social capital and leadership development. Interviews will be

conducted in person or via video conferencing and audio recorded with consent from participants

(Putman, 1995). The interviews should last approximately 45-60 minutes and will be transcribed

verbatim. I will identify and select participants who have the knowledge and experience that you
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are interested in exploring. I will ensure that you have obtained their informed consent to

participate in the interview. I will have to develop an interview guide through various list of

questions or topics I want to cover during the interview. These questions will be open-ended and

flexible to allow for spontaneous discussion. During the interview, I will probe for additional

information or clarification when needed. This will involve asking follow-up questions,

requesting examples, or asking for more detail. I will continuously take detailed notes during the

interview and include direct quotes from the participants as well as my observations. I will

analyze the data and transcribe the interview notes and evaluate the data by identifying key

themes, patterns, and trends that emerge from the responses.

Observations

I will conduct observations on-site at the business incubators to understand the social

interactions and relationships between entrepreneurs and other actors in the incubator

environment. Observations will be conducted through a period of 2-3 hours at each site and

recorded in field notes. Observation is vital in this study since it involves the systematic

observation of behaviors, interactions, and social structures in a particular setting to better

understand the dynamics of social capital and how it influences the development of leadership

skills. In conducting observations, I will identify research setting for the observations to take

place. This involves observing entrepreneurs and their interactions in a business incubator or

networking event.

After this, I will determine the specific focus of the observation, such as the types of

relationships and networks formed, the communication styles used, or the use of resources by

entrepreneurs. I will then develop an observation protocol, including guidelines for what to

observe, how to record observations, and how to analyze data. The protocol includes ethical
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considerations, such as obtaining informed consent from participants and ensuring that

confidentiality is maintained. I will ensure I conduct the observation while adhering to the

observation protocol. I will have to be unobtrusive as possible to avoid influencing the behavior

of participants. Notes will be taken during the observation and, if possible, the observation

should be recorded for later analysis. I will then analyze the data by identifying patterns, themes,

and relationships emerging from the observations. This provides into the research topic.

Focus group discussions

I will conduct focus group discussions is an effective way to gather rich, detailed

information about a research topic. Through developed research procedures I will conduct focus

group discussions providing valuable insights into the relationship between social capital and

leadership development in entrepreneurs in business incubators in Bahrain. The interview will

last for 90 minutes. These insights are vital in informing policies and programs aimed at

supporting the development of entrepreneurs in business incubators (Yin, 2008). In conducting

focus group discussions I will identify potential participants who are currently enrolled in a

business incubator in Bahrain and meet other criteria for participation. The inclusion and

exclusion criteria are established to ensure that the sample of participants is representative of the

population and that the results of the study are valid and reliable.

The next step is to develop a focus group discussion guide including open-ended

questions that will elicit detailed and comprehensive responses from the participants. The

questions will be designed to explore the participants' experiences with social capital and how it

affects their leadership development. The guide will be flexible to allow participants to elaborate

on their experiences and encourage discussion between participants. After developing the

discussion guide, I will contact potential participants to schedule the focus group discussion. I
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will then elaborate on the purpose of the study, the discussion process, and the time commitment

required. I will inform the participants should be informed of their right to refuse to participate or

to withdraw from the study at any time.

The discussion will be conducted in a private and quiet location. I will begin by

introducing myself and explaining the purpose of the study. Then participants to share their

experiences in their own words, and use follow-up questions to clarify and explore their

responses. I will ensure all participants have the opportunity to contribute and participate in the

discussion. It will be significant to record focus groups discussions either by audio or video, to

ensure that all responses are accurately captured. Then inform the participants that the discussion

will be recorded and obtain their consent. The recordings should be secured to protect the

confidentiality of the participants. After the discussions, I will transcribe the discussion verbatim

and analyze the data for patterns and themes related to social capital and leadership development.

I will then ensure the confidentiality of the participants is protected by removing any identifying

information from transcripts or analysis.

Data Analysis

The data collected in this study will be analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. This

approach involves identifying, analyzing, and interpreting patterns and themes within the data.

The data will be analyzed to identify themes related to social capital and entrepreneurs'

leadership development in Bahrain's business incubators (Wei et al., 2021).

Type of Data and Connection to Research Question

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The data collected in this study will include transcribed interviews and focus group

discussions with entrepreneurs in business incubators in Bahrain. The connection of data to

specific research questions are;

i. What is the role of social capital in the leadership development of entrepreneurs in

business incubators in Bahrain? This research question will be connected to the data

collected from interviews and focus group discussions with entrepreneurs about their

experiences with social capital and how it has impacted their leadership development.

ii. How do entrepreneurs in business incubators in Bahrain perceive social capital and its

influence on their leadership development? This research question will be connected to

the data collected from interviews and focus group discussions with entrepreneurs about

their perceptions of social capital and how it has influenced their leadership development.

iii. What challenges do entrepreneurs face in developing social capital in business incubators

in Bahrain? This research question will be connected to the data collected from

interviews and focus group discussions with entrepreneurs about the challenges they have

faced in developing social capital and how it has affected their leadership development.

Discrepant Cases

Any cases that do not fit the identified themes will be treated as discrepant. These cases

will be examined further to determine whether they represent a unique perspective or experience

that was not captured in the identified themes (Clarke, 2006). If they represent a unique

perspective, they will be incorporated into the analysis as separate themes. They will be excluded

from the analysis if they do not represent a unique perspective (Merriam & Tisdell 2015).

Therefore, the data analysis plan for this study will involve a thorough and systematic process of
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identifying, analyzing, and interpreting patterns and themes within the data. Through this

process, the study will provide a deeper understanding of the role of social capital in the

leadership development of entrepreneurs in business incubators in Bahrain and the challenges

entrepreneurs face in developing social capital in this context (Wei et al., 2021).

The data analysis phase of this research involve three primary methods: content analysis,

thematic analysis, and discourse analysis.

Content analysis

The content analysis will be used to identify specific words, phrases, or concepts that are

repeated throughout the data (Kee & Kin, 2019). The content analysis will identify patterns and

themes within the data. In conducting content analysis I have to define the research question or

objective. The research question will be specific, measurable, and relevant to the research topic. I

will then analyze the research content such as written documents, reports or articles, verbal

communication, interviews or speeches, or visual communication. The selection of content will

be based on its relevance to the research question and its availability. I will then develop a

coding scheme among themes used to systematically analyze the content. The coding scheme

will be developed based on the research question and the content to be analyzed. The categories

or themes will be mutually exclusive and exhaustive, meaning that every piece of content will be

assigned to only one category. The next step will be to code the content using the coding scheme.

This entails reading or viewing the content and assigning it to the appropriate category or theme.

It is important to establish inter-coder reliability by having multiple coders independently code a

subset of the content and then compare their results to ensure consistency.
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I will then interpret the findings and report the data in a clear and concise manner. This

includes description of the coding scheme, the analysis methods to be used, and the key themes

or patterns emerging from the data. I will contextualized the findings within the broader

literature on the research topic and the implications for future research or practice should be

discussed. Through these steps, I will be capable of conducting content analysis providing

valuable insights into the relationship between social capital and leadership development in

entrepreneurs in business incubators in Bahrain. These insights will inform policies and

programs aimed at supporting the development of entrepreneurs in business incubators.

Thematic analysis

The thematic analysis will be used to identify the underlying themes within the data. The

themes will be identified based on patterns and trends that emerge from the data (Purwati et al.,

2021). The themes will be coded and analyzed for their relationship to social capital. I will

familiarize myself with the data through reading through the data to get a sense of its content and

context. This will involve transcribing interviews, taking notes on observations, or reviewing

written documents. As I read through the data, start to identify words, phrases, or sentences that

stand out as significant or meaningful thus generating codes. I will group my initials codes into

themes based on similarities in content or meaning. This involves identifying overarching themes

that capture the essence of the data. I will then review and refine the identified themes and revise

the data to ensure that they accurately reflect the content and context. Refine or adjust the themes

as needed. I will rename each themes descriptively and definitely capturing the desired

meanings. I will then report findings and provide clear and conscience describing my thematic

analysis process, including my coding and theme development process. I will use quotations

from the data to illustrate key themes and provide examples of how they emerged.
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Discourse analysis

I will use the discourse analysis to identify the power dynamics and language used by the

participants in their discussions of social capital and leadership development (Raheim et al.,

2016). I will identify how social capital influences the development of leadership skills by

identifying the discourses that are present in the data. I will then analyze the features of the

discourse, such as the language used, the structure of the text, and the context in which it will be

produced. I will also examine how power relations are constructed through the discourse and will

identify who is speaking, who is being spoken about, and the ways in which language is used to

construct identities and relationships.

Trustworthiness

I will employ various strategies to ensure the trustworthiness of the research findings.

These strategies include triangulation, member checking, and researcher reflexivity. I will use

triangulation multiple data sources and methods to confirm the research findings (Kee & Khin,

2019). Member checking will involve presenting the research findings to the participants to

ensure their opinions and experiences are accurately reflected in the research (Shiavio et al.,

2020). My reflexivity will involve acknowledging and addressing the potential biases the

researcher may have in conducting the research.

Ethical Considerations

I will initiate ethical considerations in this research through informed consent, confidentiality,

and voluntary participation. Informed consent will involve informing the participants of the

research objectives and obtaining their permission to participate (Putman, 1995). Confidentiality

will entails protecting the participants' identities and ensuring that their personal information is
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not disclosed to anyone outside the research team (Kee, 2019). Voluntary participation will

ensure that the participants are free to withdraw from the study at any time without penalty

(Siavio et al., 2020).

Participant Selection

Population and Approximate Size

The population of this qualitative research study is entrepreneurs of business incubators

in Bahrain who have experience with leadership development and social capital. Initially, I will

aim for a sample size of 300 participants, but this number may change depending on the peak of

data saturation.

Procedures for Recruitment and Participation (and Demographic Data Collection)

The participant selection process for this study involves stratified random sampling of

entrepreneurs enrolled in business incubators in Bahrain. The study will include entrepreneurs

who have completed leadership development training programs and have been in the incubator

for at least one year. The sample size will be 300 and determined by data saturation. The

procedures for identifying and recruiting participants will involve requesting a list of enrolled

entrepreneurs, random selection, and contacting participants via email, phone, or in-person visits.

Population and Sample Size

The population of this study is entrepreneurs who are enrolled in business incubators in Bahrain.

According to the latest statistics from the Bahrain Economic Development Board, there are 39

active incubators in Bahrain with approximately 1,000 startups enrolled (Bahrain Economic

Development Board, 2022). The study aims to recruit a sample of 300 entrepreneurs from these

incubators.
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Sampling Strategy

The sampling strategy is a significant role in this research design. As a researcher, I will employ

sufficient number of units in providing adequate primary data in developing a statistical

legitimate analysis. Utilizing sampling methods in this research will be tactical, feasible,

practical, and beneficial since analyzing the whole country will be impossible. The sample will

not be equal to the population. This research will employ non-probability sampling methods with

criterions such as random selection, filtration, stratification, proportion and clusters (Wei et al.,

2021). The non-probability sampling methods provides respondents with equal chances of

selection from the general population. Furthermore, it will be the deciding factor in determining

sample to be used depending on various variables and required margin of errors.

The study will use a stratified random sampling technique to select participants. The strata will

be based on the industry sector of the startups, such as technology, healthcare, or manufacturing.

This is because the type of industry may affect the amount and type of social capital that

entrepreneurs can access. The sampling technique is appropriate because it ensures that the

sample represents the population, reduces sampling bias, and allows for generalization of the

results to the population.

The sampling method will be based on variables and utilizing formulas developed by Stevens

(1996) and Tabachnick and Fidell (2007). This will influence higher number of responses in

developing descriptive statistical analyses. Stevens (1996) asserts that the 15 subjects are

effective per predictor in increasing the reliability of the results. In this study, the major variables

are social capital, human capital and enterprise growth. The rests are considered as sub-

dimensions. Therefore, the required sample size according to Stevens (1996) developed formula

will be 15x3 = 45.

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Tabachnick and Fidell (2007) advocates for an equation in calculating sample size, through considering

the number of independent variables required for testing the proposed theoretical framework. In

regards to this procedure, it is N > 50 + (8 x m) in which m is the figure of independent variables and N is

sample size. This study requires a minimum 50 + (8x44) = 402 respondents. Various options will be

considered if the independent variables are skewed. The significant challenge is the high number of

enrolled incubators which are more than 1000 thus the sample of 45 responses is inadequate since it

does not represent the overall population. It will require increasing reliability and data validity by

considering the margin of error. In this study, I desire to achieve a minimum of 97% accuracy hence the

need to acquire higher levels of accuracy to 98%. The population of 1 to 10 million requires 97%

accuracy by engaging 300 respondents.

Selection Criteria

The study will include entrepreneurs who have been enrolled in business incubators for at least

one year and have completed leadership development training programs offered by the

incubators. This is because the study aims to investigate the impact of social capital on

leadership development, and these entrepreneurs are likely to have had some exposure to social

capital and leadership development. Furthermore, they are likely to have been in the incubator

long enough to have developed relationships with other entrepreneurs and mentors, which can

affect their access to social capital.

The criteria for participant selection are:

1. The participant must be an entrepreneur with experience with business incubators in

Bahrain.

2. The participant must have experience with leadership development.

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3. The participant must have experience with social capital.

Participants will be selected based on their ability to meet these criteria. To identify potential

participants, the researcher will work with the business incubators in Bahrain to identify

entrepreneurs who meet the selection criteria. The researcher will also contact Bahrain's

entrepreneurship associations, networks, and organizations to identify potential participants

(Uhl-Bien 2006).

Data Saturation

In this research, saturation is typically achieved when new data provides little or no new

information, and themes and patterns have emerged repeatedly in the data. The relationship

between saturation and sample size is that saturation determines the sample size required for this

study. Therefore, in this research, sample size is not determined by statistical power calculations,

as in quantitative research, but rather by the principle of data saturation. The objective is to

gather enough data to reach saturation, which indicates that the data collected are sufficient to

answer the research question.

As the researcher, I will collect and analyze the data, identify patterns and themes in the

data. As saturation is achieved, I will conclude that I have collected sufficient data to provide a

thorough understanding of the research question or theme. At this point, I will stop collecting

data and focus on analyzing and interpreting the data collected. Therefore, the sample size

required to achieve saturation will depend on the research question and the complexity of the

phenomenon being studied. In some scenarios, saturation can be achieved with a relatively small

sample size, while in other cases, a larger sample size may be required. It is essential to
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continuously monitor the data collection process to determine when saturation has been

achieved, and data collection can stop.

Identification and Recruitment Procedures

Identification and recruitment procedures are crucial for the success of this study. The

procedures ensure that the appropriate participants are identified, recruited, and enrolled in the

study. The researcher will use multiple channels to recruit participants for this qualitative study.

These channels include reaching out to business incubators, entrepreneurship associations and

networks, and Bahrain organizations catering to entrepreneurs. The researcher will also use

referrals and snowball sampling techniques, where participants will refer other potential

participants who meet the selection criteria.

To ensure that participants have the necessary experience and knowledge to provide

valuable insights into the research topic, the researcher will screen potential participants to

determine whether they meet the selection criteria (Reyad et al., 2019). The researcher will

interview potential participants to gather demographic information, such as age, gender,

educational level, and work experience. The researcher will also ask questions about the

participants' experience with leadership development and social capital. Therefore, these are the

steps for developing identification and recruitment procedures in this research.

Step 1: Identify the Population

The first step in developing identification and recruitment procedures is to identify the

population of interest. The population will be clearly defined and based on the research question.

For example, if the research question is on the impact of social capital on the leadership
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development of entrepreneurs in business incubators in Bahrain, the population would be

entrepreneurs enrolled in business incubators in Bahrain.

Step 2: Determine the Sample Size

The next step is to determine the sample size required for the study. The sample size will

be sufficient to achieve the study's objectives while balancing practical considerations such as

time and resources. The sample size will be based on statistical power calculations and sample

size estimation methods appropriate for the research design.

Step 3: Develop a Sampling Strategy

The sampling strategy outlines how participants will be selected from the population. The

strategy of this research will be designed to ensure that the sample is representative of the

population and minimizes selection bias. The common sampling strategy for this research will be

random sampling.

Step 4: Establish Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

The inclusion and exclusion criteria ensure that the sample of entrepreneurs in the study is

representative of the population and that the results of the study are valid and reliable. These

criteria also help to ensure that the study's objectives are achieved by selecting participants who

meet the research question's requirements. For this research, the inclusion criteria may include:

i. Entrepreneurs who are currently enrolled in business incubators in Bahrain.

ii. Entrepreneurs who have been enrolled in a business incubator for a minimum of one year

to ensure they have sufficient exposure to the incubation process.

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iii. Entrepreneurs who have consented to participate in the study and signed the informed

consent form.

iv. Entrepreneurs who are proficient in English or Arabic, which are the two main languages

used in Bahrain.

The exclusion criteria for this study includes;

i. Entrepreneurs who have not been enrolled in a business incubator for at least one year.

ii. Entrepreneurs who are not proficient in English or Arabic.

iii. Entrepreneurs who have already participated in a similar study to avoid duplication of

data.

iv. Entrepreneurs who have a history of mental illness, substance abuse, or any other

condition that may interfere with their ability to participate in the study.

Step 5: Develop Recruitment Materials

Recruitment materials for this research will include documents, advertisements, and

communication materials used to recruit participants. Materials will be clear, concise, and

attractive to the population. For example, if the study aims to recruit incubator managers, the

recruitment materials should be visually appealing, use age-appropriate language, and be

distributed through channels that managers utilize, such as social media platforms.

Step 6: Identify Recruitment Channels

Recruitment channels will be used as avenues for recruiting participants in this study.

Recruitment channels includes social media platforms, flyers, email lists, personal networks, or

organizations. The recruitment channels selected will be appropriate for the population,

accessible, and cost-effective.

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Step 7: Develop Procedures for Contacting and Screening Participants

Procedures for contacting and screening participants will be developed to ensure that

participants meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The procedures are designed to minimize

the risk of bias and ensure that participants are fully informed about the study before they agree

to participate.

Informed Consent

Prior to beginning the research study, i will provide participants with detailed explanation

of the study objectives and procedures, potential risks and benefits, and their rights as

participants (Wei et al., 2021). I will then obtain written informed consent from participants,

including a statement explaining that participation is voluntary and that participants may

withdraw from the study at any time without penalty.

Participant Exit and Follow-Up Procedures

At the end of each interview, I will debrief participants, allowing them to ask questions,

provide additional information, or clarify any responses. Participants will also be provided with a

summary of the key points discussed during the interview and informed of any follow-up

procedures, such as the possibility of a second interview or the opportunity to review and

comment on the study findings (Raheim et al., 2016). If the researcher identifies any issues or

concerns during the interviews, they will be addressed with the participant and may require

further follow-up or referral to relevant services or resources. I might conduct follow-up

interviews with participants to clarify or expand their responses or explore emerging themes.

Participants will be informed of these follow-up interviews and provided with the option to

participate or decline.
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Demographic Information

I will gather demographic information from participants, such as age, gender, educational

level, and work experience. This information will be used to describe the participants'

characteristics and provide context for their experiences and perspectives (Xie et al., 2021). The

demographic information will be used to identify potential biases or patterns influencing the

research findings. Therefore, I will ensure that all participants are treated ethically and

respectfully and that their privacy and confidentiality are maintained throughout the research

process. The researcher will also take steps to minimize potential risks to participants and ensure

that they are fully informed about the research objectives, procedures, and their rights as

participants.

Relationship between Saturation and Sample Size

In qualitative research, saturation will involve collecting additional data no longer leads

to new information or insights. The relationship between saturation and sample size will depend

on the research question and context. In the case of investigating the influence of social capital

on the leadership development of entrepreneurs of business incubators in Bahrain, the sample

size should be determined based on the nature and complexity of the research question, the

population size, and the available resources (Andrews, 2010). Saturation may be reached with a

smaller sample size if the data collected is rich and diverse. However, a larger sample size may

be necessary to achieve saturation in cases where the population is diverse and complex.

Therefore, the sample size should be determined based on the research question and the quality

of data collected, rather than on arbitrary rules.

Instrumentation
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Qualitative research methods will be used to investigate the influence of social capital on

the leadership development of entrepreneurs of business incubators in Bahrain. The data

collection instruments used in this study are the observation sheet, interview protocol, and focus

group protocol. The sources of these instruments are researcher-produced. The observation sheet

will utilized to observe and document the behavior of entrepreneurs in business incubators

(Andrews, 2010). The sheet will be researcher-produced, and content validity to be established

by a panel of experts in entrepreneurship and leadership development. The sheet is sufficient to

answer the research question as it provides a detailed description of the behaviors and activities

of the participants. Permission to use this instrument is not required as it is a researcher-produced

instrument.

The interview protocol is reliable to conduct semi-structured interviews with

entrepreneurs in business incubators in Bahrain. The protocol will be researcher-produced, and

content validity will be established through a pilot study and a panel of experts. The protocol will

be sufficient to answer the research question as it provides in-depth insights into the experiences

and perceptions of the participants (Xie et al., 2021). Permission to use this instrument is not

required as it is a researcher-produced instrument.

The protocol will be sufficient to answer the research question as it allows for group

dynamics and interactions to be observed and a wide range of perspectives to be gathered.

Permission to use this instrument is not required as it is a researcher-produced instrument. In

addition to the above instruments, archived data and artifacts such as annual reports, policies,

and handbooks from business incubators will also be used as data sources (Yin, 2008). These

sources are reputable as they are official documents produced by the business incubators and are
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considered the best source of data to understand the context and operations of the incubators.

Permission to use these sources will be sought from the business incubators.

Content validity will be established for all researcher-produced instruments through a

pilot study and a panel of experts. The instruments will be modified as required to ensure cultural

and context-specific issues are addressed. Regarding published data collection instruments,

survey instruments will be used to measure social capital (Andrews, 2010). This instrument was

developed and published in 2008 and has been used with various participant groups in previous

studies. The instrument will be appropriate for the current study as it is specifically designed to

measure social capital, a key construct. Permission to use this instrument was sought from the

developers, and reliability and validity values will be reported.

The sources of these instruments are researcher-produced and published. Content validity

will be established for all instruments through a pilot study and a panel of experts, and

modifications will be made as needed (Yin, 2008). Permission to use the instruments was

obtained from the developers as needed, and reliability and validity values reported. The

instruments are sufficient to answer the research questions and address context- and culture-

specific issues specific to the population.

Pilot Study

Regarding the guidelines of the Institutional Review Board (IRB), a pilot study was

conducted to test the research procedures and instruments for investigating the influence of

social capital on the leadership development of entrepreneurs in business incubators in Bahrain.

The pilot study aimed to identify any potential issues in the research design and instruments and

refine the main study's research procedures (Yin, 2008). The pilot study was conducted with a

small group of participants selected from the target population of entrepreneurs in business
 24

incubators in Bahrain. The participants were recruited using convenience sampling techniques

and asked to participate voluntarily in the study. The participants were informed about the

study's purpose, procedures, and risks and provided their informed consent before participating.

The data collection procedures used in the pilot study were the same as those planned for

the main study. The data was collected using a combination of semi-structured interviews, focus

group discussions, and document analysis. The data collection instruments, including interview

and focus group protocols, were developed based on the research questions and the literature

review (Xie et al., 2021). These instruments were reviewed by the research team and revised

based on their feedback. The data collected from the pilot study were analyzed using qualitative

data analysis techniques. The analysis identified any issues with the research instruments and

procedures and to refine them for the main study. The findings from the pilot study were used to

refine the research questions, the sampling techniques, and the data collection procedures.

The pilot study ensured that the main study was conducted efficiently and effectively and

helped minimize any potential issues in the research design and instruments (Putman, 1995). IRB

approval was obtained before conducting the pilot study, and the IRB approval number is [insert

approval number]. All participants provided their informed consent, and confidentiality and

anonymity were ensured throughout the study.

Intervention Studies or Those Involving Manipulation of an Independent Variable

Several variables need to be operationalized in investigating the influence of social

capital on the leadership development of entrepreneurs of business incubators in Bahrain. These

variables include social capital, leadership development, and business incubators. Social capital

refers to the resources individuals and groups’ access through their social networks, such as

social support, trust, and access to information and resources. This study operationalizes social
 25

capital using a survey instrument that measures social networks, social support, and trust (Wei et

al., 2021). Participants are to be questioned on the size and diversity of their social networks, the

types of support they receive from these networks, and their level of trust in their network

members. The survey instrument will be adapted from previous studies that have measured social

capital, and the scores will be calculated by summing the responses to each item.

Leadership development refers to the process by which individuals develop the skills and

knowledge necessary to lead effectively. In this study, leadership development will be

operationalized using a self-report survey evaluating the participant's perception of their

leadership skills and their confidence level in their ability to lead. The survey instrument will be

adapted from previous studies that have measured leadership development, and the scores will be

calculated by summing the responses to each item. In this study, the presence of a business

incubator will be determined through participant self-report (Noble & Heale, 2019). Participants

will be asked to report whether they are currently affiliated with a business incubator and, if so,

the name of the incubator and the types of resources and support they receive. No materials or

programs will be applied to treat or manipulate the independent variable, which is the presence

or absence of social capital. The variable will be measured through the survey instrument

mentioned above. The survey instruments for social capital and leadership development were

developed based on previous research. The items were selected based on their relevance to the

operational definition of each variable, and the surveys were piloted with a small group of

participants to ensure clarity and comprehensibility. The items were also reviewed by a panel of

experts in the field to establish content validity.

Therefore, operationalizing the variables in qualitative research is essential to ensure that

the study measures what it intends to measure. In this study, social capital, leadership
 26

development, and business incubators were operationalized using self-report survey instruments

and participant self-report. The survey instruments were developed based on previous research

and piloted to ensure clarity and content validity (Wong, 2008). The absence of any treatment or

manipulation for the independent variable, social capital, indicates that the study will be purely

observational.

Issues of Trustworthiness (qualitative research)

Credibility

To establish the credibility of the findings, several strategies will be employed. The data

triangulation method will be used to compare and contrast the data collected through different

sources such as interviews, observations, and documents. Secondly, prolonged engagement with

participants will be ensured by developing a strong rapport and trust, allowing for deeper insights

into their experiences (Purwati et al., 2021). Furthermore member checks will be conducted with

the participants to verify the accuracy of the collected data and interpretations. Consequently,

saturation will be achieved through continuous data collection and analysis until no new themes

or categories emerge. The reflexivity will be maintained throughout the research process to

acknowledge the researcher's biases and assumptions.

Transferability

A thick description will be provided to establish transferability, including detailed

descriptions of the research context, participants, and data collection methods. The selection of

participants will vary to ensure diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds (Putnam,

1995Through providing sufficient context and diversity in participant selection, the

transferability of the findings to other settings and populations can be increased.

 27

Dependability

An audit trail will be maintained to establish dependability, which will document the

research process and decisions made throughout the study (Wei et al., 2021). Triangulation will

also be used to compare and contrast the data collected through different sources and methods,

increasing the findings' dependability.

Confirmability

To establish confirmability, reflexivity will be maintained throughout the research

process. The researcher will acknowledge and reflect on their biases, assumptions, and

preconceptions and how they may have influenced the data collection, analysis, and

interpretation (Wong, 2008). By providing a transparent and reflexive account of the research

process, the confirmability of the findings can be increased.

Therefore, the credibility and transferability of the findings can be increased by

developing strategies such as data triangulation, member checks, saturation, reflexivity, and thick

description. The dependability of the findings can be established through an audit trail and

triangulation, while the confirmability of the findings can be ensured through reflexivity (Wei et

al., 2021). These strategies will enhance the trustworthiness of the study and increase confidence

in the validity and reliability of the findings.

Threats to Validity

External Validity

Among the strengths of the proposed study is the qualitative research design, which

improves the quality, quantity, and diversity of the collected data and research inferences. Since

the study investigates human attitudes, socioeconomic attributes, and their general response to
 28

environmental phenomena, the qualitative design is ideal for establishing and understanding

human experiences in businesses and start-ups. The design enhances the reliability and accuracy

of the study findings because it provides insight into the audiences' minds; hence, it presents a

richer and more holistic portrait of the importance of social capital. According to Schiavio et al.

(2020), qualitative methods typically collect more diverse, unlimited data from research

respondents, hence, the adoption of pre-defined questions exploring various themes during

interviews, interactions, and conversations with the target audiences.

Internal Validity

The qualitative design also strengthens the proposed study by fostering internal validity

through adaptability, subjectivity, and collaboration in data collection and interpretation. Unlike

the quantitative approaches, with fixed questions and a range of answers available for the

respondents, the quantitative techniques are highly flexible to suit varying responses and

reactions of the participants (Putnam, 1995). For instance, researchers may interrogate a

particular answer from the respondents to gain a more detailed insight into the underlying factors

influencing the participants' perspectives, attitudes, and beliefs.

Construct Validity

In qualitative research, determines how well the researcher operationalizes and measures

the variables being studied. In the investigation of the influence of social capital on the

leadership development of entrepreneurs of business incubators in Bahrain, several threats to

construct validity need to be considered. The potential threat to construct validity is the influence

of the researcher's bias (Yin, 2008). The researcher's subjective interpretation of the data may

affect the findings and lead to inaccurate conclusions.

 29

In addressing these threats, the researcher should practice reflexivity, which involves

acknowledging and addressing the influence of the researcher's perspective on the research

process and findings. In addition, the potential threat to construct validity is the need for more

consensus on operationalizing social capital (Wong, 2008). There are various ways to define and

measure social capital, and the measurement method may affect the results. To address this

threat, the researcher should provide a clear operational definition of social capital and use

multiple methods to measure it, such as interviews, observations, and document analysis.

The potential for response bias is another threat to construct validity. Participants may be

reluctant to disclose information or may provide socially desirable responses. To address this

threat, the researcher should establish rapport with the participants and use open-ended questions

for various responses (Wei et al., 2021). Regarding statistical conclusion validity, this type of

validity refers to the extent to which the researcher can draw accurate conclusions based on

statistical analysis. In qualitative research, statistical analysis is not typically used, but thematic

analysis may introduce potential threats to statistical conclusion validity. The potential threat is

the researcher bias in selecting and interpreting themes. To address this threat, the researcher

should use multiple coders to independently analyze the data and establish inter-rater reliability.

Furthermore, another potential threat to statistical conclusion validity is the potential for

low data saturation. If data saturation is not achieved, it may be complex to draw accurate

conclusions from the data (Putnam, 1995). To address this threat, the researcher should use

multiple data sources and continue data collection until saturation. Therefore, by addressing

these threats to construct statistical conclusion validity, the researcher can ensure that the

findings are accurate and trustworthy.

 30

Ethical Procedures

In conducting qualitative research on the influence of social capital on entrepreneurs'

leadership development in Bahrain's business incubators, it is important to adhere to ethical

principles to ensure that the participants and their data are treated with respect and dignity

(Wong, 2008). The following are some of the ethical procedures that should be considered:

Agreements with Entities: Obtaining permission from organizations or associations that

provide access to participants or data is important. Actual permission documents should be

included in the Institutional Review Board (IRB) application and the final dissertation.

Treatment of Human Participants: The participants in the study should be treated with respect

and care. Recruitment materials and processes should not be misleading or coercive, and

participants should be informed about the study's purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits before

they consent to participate. Informed consent should be obtained from participants, and their

participation should be voluntary (Yin, 2008). Participants should have the right to refuse or

withdraw from the study without penalty (Al-Shehab et al., 2020). Any predictable adverse

events should be anticipated and addressed appropriately.

Treatment of Data: The confidentiality and anonymity of the participants should be maintained

throughout the study. The data should be stored securely, and access should be restricted only to

authorized personnel. Any sensitive information should be kept confidential, and the participants

should be assured that their data will not be shared with unauthorized parties (Putnam, 1995).

The data should be destroyed at the end of the study in a manner that ensures that the

participants' privacy is protected.

Other Ethical Issues: Other ethical issues that should be considered include conducting research

within one's work environment, potential conflicts of interest or power differentials, and the use
 31

of incentives. In cases where researchers conduct research within their work environment, they

should be aware of the potential for bias and take steps to minimize it (Vial & Richomme-

Huet, 2021). Any potential conflicts of interest or power differentials should be identified and

addressed appropriately (Wei et al., 2021). The use of incentives should be justified and not be

coercive or misleading. Therefore, ethical considerations are crucial in conducting qualitative

research on the influence of social capital on the leadership development of entrepreneurs in

business incubators in Bahrain. Researchers should adhere to ethical principles and procedures to

ensure that the participants and their data are treated with respect and dignity.

Summary

In summary, the qualitative research study aims to investigate the influence of social

capital on the leadership development of entrepreneurs of business incubators in Bahrain. The

study utilizes a phenomenological approach, with a sample size of 20 entrepreneurs’ selected

using purposive sampling. Data collection will be conducted through in-depth interviews and

document analysis, and data analysis will use a thematic analysis approach. Strategies such as

member checks, prolonged engagement, saturation, reflexivity, and peer review will be

employed to ensure the trustworthiness of the study. Transferability will be established through

the thick description and variation in participant selection, while dependability will be ensured

through triangulation and audit trails. The study's confirmability will be established through

reflexivity. Ethical procedures will also be followed, including obtaining agreements with

entities, treating human participants, and protecting data. Therefore, the study contributes to the

existing literature on the relationship between social capital and the leadership development of
 32

entrepreneurs in business incubators, which can be useful for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and

incubator managers in Bahrain and similar contexts.

 33

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