The methodology used was relatively simple, involving a questionnaire
administered to the group, although the selection of the interviewees
was not so straightforward. The researchers chose the initial
and core set of interviewees based on their affiliation with a development-minded
group of entrepreneurs, who were wont to refer to
themselves as the ‘Young Turks’ of business in Khon Kaen. This base
was chosen because the researchers had contacts with many of them,
thus easing the often difficult process of establishing confidence;
moreover, they seemed particularly relevant to the goal of exploring
emerging differences between business generations. Initial discussions
with this group sought to identify the most important businesses and
business families or groups in Khon Kaen, with the aim of expanding
the number of potential interviewees. From a list of about 35, it
was possible to complete comprehensive interviews with 20 over the
period of the study. All the interviewees were from the young
generation, since a principal aim of the study was to develop an