Though this research will not provide all necessary data for such a project to be undertaken, it will explore the issue form a side and perspective not often utilized, shedding light on an essential yet often-overlooked aspect of the foreign trade relationship. Research Methods

Qualitative research is perhaps not the first thing thought of when conducting a trade analysis, but its importance to a proper understanding of the trade relationship cannot be overstated. Such research and analysis requires that the situation be examined in its human terms in addition to the numeric values and inferences drawn from quantitative research and analysis. In determining the perceived motivations and barriers to direct investment, this research will essentially be attempting to analyze and predict responses to changing business situations, and such research almost necessarily takes on a qualitative form (Bavdaz 2009). The predictive value of the proposed qualitative research is, in this instance, much greater than the predictive value of related quantitative research, as the motivations and barriers to direct investment are primarily human in nature (Bavdaz 2009).

Interviews will be the primary instrument utilized for the collection of data in the proposed research. Properly structured interviews have been shown to yield highly relevant and valid data across cultures, and this is an essential aspect of the research at hand (Wong & Goodwin 2009). The accuracy of cultural comparison through closed-form questionnaires and surveys is far more dubious, whereas a semi-structured interview allows for some mediation and negotiation of responses in a way that is both culturally adjustable and empirically relevant (Wong & Goodwin 2009). There is some question as to the specific reliability of semi-structured interviews in a case study scenario, but the larger sample size desired for this research should mitigate such problems (Diefenbach 2009).

Interviews will be conducted online via the video-audio software, Skype. The free service offered by this software will greatly reduce the cost of conducting research and presents a more personal and face-to-face feel than a telephone interview. Though in-person interviews with some subjects could very likely be arranged, these will be reserved for any follow-up interviews deemed necessary. For the sake of consistency and as little variation in the methodology as possible,...

Skype. Interviews will be conducted at a time that is convenient for the subject, to be determined individually after establishing initial contact with each respondent. Researchers will make themselves available regardless of time-zone differences, presenting a professional appearance and demeanor during the recorded interviews.
Expected Conclusion

It is expected that one of the major barriers to British foreign investment will be a perceived cultural resistance on both sides, which it is also expected will be demonstrably shown to be a false perception. Purely economic incentives as well as a desire to built intercultural connections and global networks are expected to be cited as strong motivational factors in the development of increased direct investment endeavors. Various market forces will also likely be cited as both barriers and motivations, but the interview will attempt to focus on less quantifiable and more human-based factors, so the exact emergence and trajectory of more market-based analyses remains a matter of some question.