(213)RESEARCHING COOPERATIVE BEHAVIOR IN EDUCATION CLUSTER - AN ATTEMPT TO APPLY QUALITATIVE COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

摘要

This article attempts to assess the feasibility of qualitative comparative analysis (QualitativeComparative Analysis - QCA)to study the behavior of cooperative organizations associated in clusterseducation. This concept was presented as an alternative, being innovative and standing in oppositionto the comparative analysis concept, which was used previously to study the clusters. The legitimacyof this method, its capabilities and potential are shown by the results of empirical research conductedin educational clusters located on Polish territory and Norway. They were analyzed for various types ofcooperative relations. The results of this study indicate that the QCA can be considered as a newapproach to data analysis. This approach, despite the use of social science research, can besuccessfully used in analysis of cooperative ties among cluster members. The implementation of thestudy allowed us to develop innovative approaches to identify practices and processes carried out inclusters. The current test method for clusters, which is their benchmarking, narrows the cognitive andresearch possibilities. This line of research suggests the possibility of using QCA to examine thecircumstances of the clusters.