This paper presents a methodological reflection on conducting qualitative research during uncertain periods,

drawing from the experience of a study undertaken with chefs in Malaysia’s hotel sector during the COVID 19

pandemic. The purpose of this paper is to examine how researchers can maintain methodological rigor, ethical

sensitivity, and reflexivity when traditional fieldwork is constrained by external disruptions. The discussion

highlights the challenges faced, the adaptive strategies employed, and the lessons learned from conducting research

during an environment of uncertainty. A qualitative case study approach guided by the interpretivist paradigm was

used to explore the lived experiences of ten chefs working in Klang Valley hotels. Semi structured interviews were

awareness in virtual environments. Third, methodological flexibility enables researchers to transform limitations

into opportunities for innovation and learning. The paper concludes that qualitative research can remain credible,

rigorous, and contextually meaningful when guided by preparedness, reflection, and a human centered approach.

The lessons derived from this experience provide valuable implications for future research undertaken in similarly

Periods of uncertainty have repeatedly tested the stability of global industries, with events such as the COVID19

pandemic serving as stark reminders of how fragile professional ecosystems can be. In times of crisis, the

strain, and the need to build structured career resilience for future challenges (Baum et al., 2020; Kim et al., 2021).

These lessons underscore the need for practitioners and researchers to continuously adapt, ensuring preparedness

For researchers, the pandemic created unique methodological challenges. Traditional fieldwork practices such as

in-person interviews, workplace observation, and rapport building were suddenly constrained by lockdown

measures and safety regulations. Researchers were forced to innovate in their data collection methods to maintain

the credibility, ethics, and trustworthiness of their studies. The shift toward virtual communication tools became

a defining methodological adaptation in qualitative research conducted during this period (Archibald et al., 2019;

Johnson et al., 2022). These constraints raised essential questions about how qualitative inquiry could remain

their careers during the pandemic. Instead of revisiting empirical findings, the focus here is on methodological

reflection, on how the study was designed, adjusted, and ethically maintained in a restricted environment. This

reflection aims to offer practical insights for researchers conducting studies in similar constrained contexts,

In summary, the purpose of this methodological reflection is twofold. First, it documents the challenges and

adaptive strategies used in conducting qualitative research with chefs during a period of movement restrictions.

Second, it contributes to the broader discussion of how methodological flexibility can enhance trustworthiness

and rigor in qualitative inquiry, particularly within the hospitality research domains. The following sections

elaborate on the study background, research design, sampling approach, data collection process, and strategies

used to ensure credibility and dependability. Through these reflections, the paper seeks to illustrate how

second, to examine how both individuals and organizations employed strategies to preserve employment and

professional identity; and third, to understand how these experiences could guide future training and education for

culinary professionals. These objectives justified the use of a qualitative approach that emphasizes depth, context,

The Malaysian hospitality industry was among the sectors most affected by the pandemic because of its reliance

on tourism, events, and international travel. As of November 2020, over 200 tourism and hotel operators in

Malaysia had shut down due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and Movement Control Order restrictions.

According to the World Tourism Organization, the hotel workforce declined by 10%, from 233,800 workers in

2019 to 208,500 in 2020, while the Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners (MAHO) estimated that the industry

lost about half of its total workforce to other sectors and self-employment during the pandemic (The Edge

vocational professionals to respond to crisis. Understanding how chefs adapted to the volatile environment

provided insights not only into individual career sustainability but also into the preparedness of vocational

education systems to cultivate adaptability among future professionals. This intersection between hospitality

practice, career resilience, and reflective learning forms the foundation for the methodological discussion that

The study adopted a qualitative case study design to capture the lived experiences of chefs within their real-life

professional contexts. As Creswell and Poth (2018) explain, a case study approach enables researchers to explore

bounded systems in depth, allowing for a nuanced understanding of complex social and organizational phenomena.

In this study, the bounded system was the professional world of hotel chefs, where work routines, career identity,

The research was grounded in an interpretivist paradigm that views knowledge as socially constructed through

human experience and interaction (Lincoln & Guba, 1985). The researcher’s role was that of an active listener and

interaction for most of the data collection period. Consequently, interviews were conducted virtually through

platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet, and WhatsApp calls. Although the change limited physical observation, it

expanded participation by allowing chefs to join interviews from their homes or workplaces at convenient times.

Similar to the observations of Gray et al. (2020) and Dodds and Hess (2021), this adaptation demonstrated that

virtual interviews can still generate authentic and meaningful qualitative data when guided by empathy and careful

Transitioning to digital interviews also required new skills in online communication, rapport building, and data

security. Establishing trust virtually demanded deliberate strategies such as attentive listening, gentle pacing, and

verbal affirmation to replace non-verbal cues (Lo Iacono et al., 2016). Through these relational practices, the

researcher fostered a sense of comfort that encouraged participants to speak candidly about their challenges and

The study employed a purposive sampling strategy to select participants who could provide rich and relevant

insights into how chefs sustained their careers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Purposive sampling was

particularly suitable because it allows the deliberate selection of individuals who possess specific knowledge,

experiences, or characteristics that directly relate to the research objectives (Palinkas et al., 2015). In this case,

chefs employed in Klang Valley hotels during the pandemic represented a group that experienced the crisis

firsthand and could articulate the challenges, coping mechanisms, and adaptive strategies developed within their

A total of ten chefs participated in the study, representing both four-star and five-star hotel establishments. The

actively engaged in hotel kitchen operations during the pandemic period. The sample included chefs at various

career levels ranging from commis to executive chef. This diversity enabled the researcher to capture experiences

across multiple professional hierarchies, providing a more comprehensive understanding of how career resilience

was developed and sustained. The variation in participants’ backgrounds also allowed for the exploration of

Despite these efforts, recruitment during a crisis presented several challenges. Many chefs were emotionally

exhausted or hesitant to participate because of employment uncertainty and increased workloads. Some were

reluctant to discuss their situations for fear of revealing sensitive information about their organizations. To address

these issues, the researcher emphasized confidentiality and voluntary participation at every stage. Each potential

participants face personal and professional stress (Fujii, 2018). Through repeated informal communication and

Research on sampling strategy emphasises that the definition of the sample universe, the sampling strategy and

the sourcing of participants are key to coherence and credibility in qualitative studies (Robinson, 2014). Moreover,

wider range of participant contexts may strengthen transferability and highlight contextual variation in adaptation

Ethical approval was obtained from the Universiti Putra Malaysia Ethics Committee before data collection

commenced. All participants provided informed consent electronically through a digital form that outlined their

rights and the scope of their participation. Pseudonyms were used to protect participant identities, and all

identifying details about hotel names and locations were omitted. The use of digital consent and encrypted data

storage ensured that ethical standards were maintained despite the absence of in-person meetings. These measures

align with recommendations by Lobe et al. (2020), who emphasize the importance of ethical sensitivity, flexibility,

Sinha, 2024). Video interviews in qualitative research provide options for contextual data acquisition, improved

communication quality, and less trip time; yet, they necessitate experienced participants, high-quality video

technology, and practice (De Villiers et al., 2021). These differences highlight how digital contexts not only change

whether new interviews produced additional insights. Saturation was reached after the tenth interview, as no new

misinterpretation and enhanced the reliability of the findings. Feedback from academic supervisors further

reinforced credibility, as regular discussions on coding and theme development ensured that emerging patterns

were coherent and firmly grounded in the data. These combined validation efforts from participants and

Dependability was achieved through detailed documentation of the entire research process. The researcher

maintained an audit trail that recorded each step taken during data collection and analysis, including notes on

challenges encountered, decisions made, and reflective observations. This documentation served as a transparent

account of how the research evolved and how methodological decisions were adjusted in response to the

constraints of virtual fieldwork. The audit trail was complemented by continuous consultation with supervisors,

who provided external perspectives and helped ensure that the methodological approach remained consistent and

care, reinforcing that digital interviewing must prioritise emotional safety alongside procedural ethics (Lobe et al.,

Overall, the strategies applied to strengthen credibility and dependability ensured the methodological rigor of the

study. They showed that even when data collection is conducted virtually, careful validation, reflexive

engagement, and transparent documentation can uphold the quality and integrity of qualitative research. These

Reflecting on the overall research journey, conducting a qualitative study during the COVID-19 pandemic

provided a unique and valuable learning experience that extended beyond methodological understanding. The

researcher initially designed the study for face-to-face interviews and field observations, yet the sudden

Comparing virtual and traditional qualitative methods revealed distinct strengths and challenges. While inperson

interviews allow richer environmental observation and spontaneous dialogue, virtual sessions offered

convenience, privacy, and broader accessibility. Interestingly, several participants found online interviews less

intimidating, which enhanced openness. These contrasts suggest that digital interviewing should not be seen as a

substitute but as an evolving complement that expands methodological possibilities in qualitative hospitality

The first significant lesson learned was the importance of adaptability in managing the research process. The

abrupt transition from physical to online interviews required flexibility not only in terms of logistics but also in

mindset. The researcher had to develop technical proficiency in digital communication platforms and learn how

to navigate challenges such as unstable internet connections, background noise, and limited visual cues. Adjusting

to these changes highlighted the need for patience and perseverance, as well as the ability to think quickly when

faced with unexpected difficulties. More importantly, it showed that adaptability is not a sign of methodological

required the researcher to be sensitive and accommodating. Offering multiple time slots, rescheduling sessions,

and allowing rest breaks demonstrated respect for participants’ circumstances and promoted a supportive interview

atmosphere. These practices emphasized that ethical research extends beyond procedural approval to include

respect for participants’ well-being. Through this process, the researcher learned that empathy and understanding

are critical components of successful data collection, especially when participants are experiencing professional

The third reflection focused on the role of reflexivity throughout the research process. The researcher became

increasingly aware of how personal assumptions, emotional responses, and positionality could shape interpretation

and interaction with participants. Keeping a reflexive journal after each interview provided a structured way to

examine thoughts, decisions, and emotional reactions, helping to minimize bias and maintain attention on

communication barriers, ultimately enhanced the researcher’s confidence and methodological maturity. The

journey illustrated that rigor in qualitative research is not defined by strict adherence to predetermined steps but

by the researcher’s ability to make transparent, ethical, and contextually appropriate decisions. Reflecting on these

experiences fostered a more holistic understanding of research practice as an iterative and human-centered

endeavor. The lessons learned will continue to guide the researcher in future projects, encouraging an approach

Undertaking qualitative research during the COVID-19 pandemic demanded patience, resilience, and constant

adjustment. The study involving chefs from Klang Valley hotels revealed that meaningful and trustworthy insights

can still be achieved when researchers demonstrate flexibility and ethical awareness in times of crisis. Although

The study provided several valuable lessons on sustaining methodological integrity under constrained conditions.

Adaptability emerged as a crucial element for ensuring data quality when external factors restricted direct access

to participants. Empathy and relational awareness were equally vital for maintaining trust and open

communication throughout the virtual engagement process. The researcher’s sensitivity to participants’ emotional

and professional challenges reinforced the ethical foundation of the inquiry. Additionally, systematic

documentation, reflexive journaling, and transparent analytical decisions strengthened the credibility and

dependability of the findings. Collectively, these practices demonstrated that rigor in qualitative research is

qualitative inquiry becomes a space not only for knowledge creation but also for empathy, growth, and shared

Moving forward, this experience serves as a foundation for future methodological exploration in hospitality and

vocational education research. The lessons learned here underscore the need for research designs that remain

this study reinforces the notion that qualitative research thrives when guided by reflection, compassion, and

psychological distress during the COVID-19 outbreak: The moderating role of perceived supervisor

support among hotel employees in Malaysia. Work, 73(4), 1135-1145.

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