determining sample size in qualitative research: implications for sport management studies

Determining an appropriate sample size remains one of the most debated methodological challenges in qualitative research, with particular relevance for the expanding field of sport management. because qualitative inquiry prioritizes depth, richness, and contextual understanding rather than statistical generalization, numerical guidelines must be viewed as flexible rather than prescriptive. this review synthesizes key principles, debates, and empirical evidence related to sample size determination across qualitative traditions and examines their implications for sport management studies. existing recommendations vary widely, ranging from single cases in narrative or case study designs to more than 50 interviews in large-scale or multi-site projects. frameworks such as data, thematic, meaning, and theoretical saturation remain influential, although their applicability differs across methodologies. emerging approaches, including the concept of information power, emphasize the importance of research aim specificity, participant relevance, and analytic depth in shaping sample adequacy. despite these developments, sample size justification in sport management research is often inconsistent, overlooking the field's heterogeneity and the complexity of its organizational settings. this review highlights the need for sport management researchers to avoid universal numerical rules and instead adopt flexible, transparent, and methodologically aligned approaches to sample size determination. considerations such as the focus of the research question, participant homogeneity or diversity, analytic aims, and data quality should guide decisions more than predetermined counts. strengthening transparency and grounding sample size decisions in principles such as saturation or information power will enhance the credibility and trustworthiness of qualitative sport management research and support the continued maturation of the discipline.