This article explores a method developed by Ragin called qualitative comparative analysis or QCA. QCA would appear to offer two attractive possibilities: (a) it combines a consideration of systematic and ideographic elements in a single analysis; and (b) it overcomes some notable limitations of traditional quantitative and qualitative methods. The aim of the authors is to contrast the logic and results of QCA with traditional qualitative and quantitative analyses through a consideration of labor management practices in the southern textile industry. The authors argue that QCA represents a bridge between traditional qualitative and quantitative approaches, because it draws on some aspects of each. It is not, however, without its own limitations, because it leaves out some very admirable aspects of these other methodologies. This analysis suggests that different methodological strategies should be used to complement one another, because each provides valuable insights that can be checked and augmented by the others.
