Get Acquainted: Learnings From Collecting Data for a Cross-Cultural Research Project in a Foreign Country

The study was conducted in India, specifically the two states of Gujarat and Karnataka, with one author based  in the United States and another in India. We evaluate the pros and cons of working collaboratively to collect  data in a foreign country. The cultural differences between these two countries created obstacles during the  research process that led researchers to incorporate the use of a local marketing research firm to assist with  data collection. This in-depth case study examines the research process taken to collect data in India. We  identify key factors to consider in the process of planning and executing a research experiment and how to  be mindful when conducting research in a foreign country. Some of the considerations that researchers had  to consider were cultural differences, language barriers, and the lack of internet or technology available to  subjects, all influencing the data collection process.