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1. Introduction
Archival research is a much under-rated and under-utilized method of research in management studies. Austin et al. (2002; as cited in Aguinis et al., 2009) observe that:
In the past 20 years or so, archival designs hover around 10% [of all research designs]. In terms of measurement, classical test theory is clearly dominant and includes 100% of articles until the past decade, when IRT (Item Response Theory) was reported in about 3% of articles.
Note that Aguinis et al. (2009) were writing at a time when considerable business history as well as immense quantum of corporate information had already accumulated in the industrialized countries. Seen in that backdrop, the fact that only 10 percent articles care to make up cursory reference to archival data appears to be a dismal figure. Taking this premise as our reference point, an attempt is made to survey the literature that has, as yet employed this method and understand the techniques adopted. This paper re-positions the method of archival research as a viable and sophisticated tool for researchers to employ effectively in singular or mixed method studies.
2. The nature and purpose of archival data
At this point, it is imperative that we define and delimit the boundaries of the construct “archival data” for the purpose of this discussion. Archival data are that data which are gathered and stored prior to the commencement of the research, intended for later use. Archival data may include census data, court proceedings, patent office records, credit histories, and educational records, among others. Organizational archives may consist of corporate annual reports, personnel files, and survey responses undertaken at different times. Each kind of archive has its own pros and cons.
The primary and most obvious advantages of archival data are of-course ease of availability and low cost. Organizations typically collect and store copious amounts of data pertaining to employees, customers, suppliers, competitors and others. Human resource departments often float questionnaires for feedback from time to time on various issues of importance for the organizations. Research and development departments keep records of their own progress, patents, etc., while legal departments tend to store proof of all types of legal transactions undertaken by the company or company’s agents. MacCallum (1998; as cited in Payne