DATA ANALYSIS
In a few instances, information provided by firms participating in the initial survey lent itself to numerical analysis. Because only 30 firms were included in the research, no computer package was used for this purpose.
It should be stressed, however, that this research was essentially qualitative rather than quantitative. Almost all of the data required painstaking thematic analysis.Subsequent Developments
It must also be noted that as the empirical study was conducted between November 1997 and April 1998, the latest edition of the Guide to Professional Conduct had not been issued to solicitors. In addition, the House of Lords’ decision in Bolkiah v KPMG[DXXVIII] had not been delivered. Although the changes made to the rules by the eighth edition of the Guide were slight, any differences have been noted in the analysis of the interviews.
Confidentiality
Some firms felt that the information they were providing was sensitive and thus an assurance of absolute confidentiality regarding all information was given. This principle has been adhered to throughout this book, with each firm being identified by a random number between 1 and 30. In places, some identifying details have also been changed.
An outline description of the firms and the respondents is contained at the end of this appendix.