Fuzzy-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (Fsqca) And Necessary Condition Analysis (Nca) In Tourism And Hospitality Studies: Bridging Bipolar Methodological Divides
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18234440Keywords:
Methodological Divides, Symmetrical and Asymmetrical Analyses, fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA), and Tourism and Hospitality StudiesAbstract
Complex interactions among human behaviour, organisational processes, and consumer experiences characterise the tourism and hospitality field. Traditional symmetrical research methods often impose rigid models and linear relationships, resulting in oversimplified conclusions that fail to capture the complexities of these domains. In contrast, fsQCA and NCA provide a more detailed framework for understanding these complexities. Thus, by integrating fsQCA’s configurational insights with NCA’s identification of necessary and sufficient conditions, this study demonstrates how these methodologies effectively bridge gaps in symmetrical qualitative and quantitative approaches. The fsQCA allows researchers to explore causal relationships among multiple configurations without rigid dichotomisation. This flexibility is particularly beneficial in this research field, where a variety of factors are examined. Conversely, NCA emphasises discovering sufficient and necessary conditions that should be met for specific outcomes to occur, providing clarity on the constraints within which these outcomes manifest. The study illustrates the synergistic application of fsQCA and NCA through a compelling case study, revealing a complex causal recipe that enhances understanding of the factors that lead to operational efficiency and sustainability in the hospitality industry. This dual methodological framework enables scholars and practitioners to get more in-depth insights into the complexities of the field and drive impactful practices.Keywords: Methodological Divides, Symmetrical and Asymmetrical Analyses, fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA), and Tourism and Hospitality StudiesReferences
Dul, J. (2016). Necessary condition analysis (NCA) logic and methodology of “necessary but not sufficient” causality. Organisational Research Methods, 19(1), 10-52.
Dul, J., & Hak, T. (2008). Case Study Methodology in Business Research. Routledge.
Dul, J., Hauff, S., & Bouncken, R. B. (2023). Necessary condition analysis (NCA): review of research topics and guidelines for good practice. Review of Managerial Science, 17(2), 683-714.
Fiss, P. C. (2011). Building better causal theories: A fuzzy set approach to typologies in organisation research. Academy of Management Journal, 54(2), 393-420.
Geremew, Y. M., Huang, W. J., & Hung, K. (2024). Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis as a mixed-method and analysis technique: a comprehensive systematic review. Journal of Travel Research, 63(1), 3-26.
Kahwati, L. C., & Kane, H. L. (2018). Qualitative comparative analysis in mixed methods research and evaluation. Sage Publications.
Kraus, S., Ribeiro-Soriano, D., & Schüssler, M. (2018). Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) in entrepreneurship and innovation research–the rise of a method. International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 14, 15-33.
Misangyi, V. F., Greckhamer, T., Furnari, S., Fiss, P. C., Crilly, D., & Aguilera, R. (2017). Embracing causal complexity: The emergence of a neo-configurational perspective. Journal of Management, 43(1), 255-282.
Olya, H. G. (2023). Towards advancing theory and methods on tourism development from residents’ perspectives: Developing a framework on the pathway to impact. In Methodological Advancements in Social Impacts of Tourism Research (pp. 34-54). Routledge.
Olya, H. G., & Altinay, L. (2016). Asymmetric modeling of intention to purchase tourism weather insurance and loyalty. Journal of Business Research, 69(8), 2791-2800.
Olya, H. G., & Gavilyan, Y. (2017). Configurational models to predict residents’ support for tourism development. Journal of Travel Research, 56(7), 893-912.
Olya, H., & Nia, T. H. (2021). The medical tourism index and behavioral responses of medical travelers: A mixed-method study. Journal of Travel Research, 60(4), 779-798.
Pappas, I. O., & Woodside, A. G. (2021). Fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA): Guidelines for research practice in Information Systems and marketing. International journal of information management, 58, 102310.
Rasoolimanesh, S. M., Ringle, C. M., Sarstedt, M., & Olya, H. (2021). The combined use of symmetric and asymmetric approaches: partial least squares-structural equation modeling and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 33(5), 1571-1592.
Richter, N. F., Hauff, S., Ringle, C. M., Sarstedt, M., Kolev, A. E., & Schubring, S. (2023). How to apply necessary condition analysis in PLS-SEM. In Partial least squares path modeling: Basic concepts, methodological issues and applications (pp. 267-297). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
Rihoux, B., & Ragin, C. (2012). Configurational comparative methods: Qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) and related techniques. SAGE Publications Inc.
Schneider, C. Q., & Wagemann, C. (2012). Set-theoretic methods for the social sciences: A guide to qualitative comparative analysis. Cambridge University Press.
Woodside, A. G. (2014). Embrace• perform• model: Complexity theory, contrarian case analysis, and multiple realities. Journal of Business Research, 67(12), 2495-2503.
Woodside, A. G., Nagy, G., & Megehee, C. M. (2018). Applying complexity theory: A primer for identifying and modeling firm anomalies. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 3(1), 9-25
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Yechale Mehiret Geremew, Carina Kleynhans
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work.
