An analysis of quality criteria for qualitative research

There is general consensus as to what constitutes quality and rigor in quantitative research however the issue of quality and rigor in qualitative research is contentious. The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief overview of research quality criteria in quantitative research before presenting an analysis of quality frameworks for qualitative research. The paper presents the three main stances taken in quality criteria for qualitative research as a means to exploring this complex issue. The paper not only argues for the need for qualitative management researchers to embed the chosen quality frameworks within the writing of the research but takes this one step further by arguing for explicit self reflexivity within the process and products of qualitative research.