Qualitative data analysis software: Reflecting on 10 years of Quirkos

Qualitative data analysis (QDA) software tools are often underutilised in business studies, although they can significantly enhance the speed and rigour at which qualitative data can be analysed. This Editorial outlines the core features and benefits of one qualitative software package, namely Quirkos, which has now been available for 10 years. It was originally designed to make the qualitative data analysis process more participatory, where new researchers with specialist knowledge but limited experience can contribute to data interpretation. We thus detail its key operations and recent development as well as compare it against other paper-based and non-specialist software, aiming to illustrate how Quirkos can facilitate the interpretation, collaboration, and reporting of qualitative findings while preserving data richness and depth. The availability, ease-of-use, and visual and tactile experiences provided by this software can increase the appeal of CAQDAS. It is believed that greater acceptance and understanding of Quirkos can encourage business researchers to adopt more qualitative methods, explore issues in greater depth, and increase confidence in their findings to draw meaningful conclusions.