Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA)

Health Management Glossary

Research Methods

Definition. fsQCA is a set-theoretic method that identifies combinations of conditions that are sufficient or necessary for an outcome, allowing for equifinality and asymmetry.

Explanation

Ragin developed fuzzy-set QCA to bridge case-oriented and variable-oriented research (Ragin, 2008). A review of business and management research shows its rapid spread and key methodological choices (Kumar et al., 2022).

Related concepts

Case study research Structural equation modeling (SEM) Theory building

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• Exploring Fuzzy-Set Analysis: Impacts on Business Strategy and Management

References

Kumar, S., Sahoo, S., Lim, W. M., Kraus, S., & Bamel, U. (2022). Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) in business and management research: A contemporary overview. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 178, 121599. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2022.121599

Ragin, C. C. (2008). Redesigning social inquiry: Fuzzy sets and beyond. University of Chicago Press.

Cite this entry: Kurutkan, M. N. (2026). Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). In The Health Topics glossary. https://healthtopic.org/glossary/fuzzy-set-qualitative-comparative-analysis/

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