IntroductionIntroduction

Chapter 1 and 2 Slides

From Research Methods for Business

By Uma Sekaran

What is Research?What is Research?

An organized, systematic, data-based, critical, objective, scientific inquiry or investigation into a specific problem, undertaken with the purpose of finding answers or solutions to it.

Scope of Research?Scope of Research?It encompasses the process of :

◦inquiry, ◦investigation, ◦examination and ◦experimentation.

Steps in Research: General Steps in Research: General ApproachApproach

1. Define problem

2. Obtain information

3. Analyze information

4. Take actions based on analysis

Classification of ResearchClassification of Research

1. Applied Research

2. Basic Research

Applied ResearchApplied Research

Research done with the intention of applying the results of findings to solve specific problems currently being experienced in the organization is called applied research.

Basic ResearchBasic Research

Research done to enhance the understanding of certain problems that commonly occur in organizational settings and seek methods of solving them is called basic research.

Why Research is Important for Why Research is Important for ManagersManagers

Identify and effectively solve minor problems in work setting.

Know how to discriminate good from bad research.

Appreciate and be constantly aware of the multiple influences and multiple effects of factors impinging on a situation.

Take calculated risks in decision making.

Why Research is Important for Why Research is Important for ManagersManagers

Prevent possible vested interests from exercising their influence in a situation.

Relate to hired researchers and consultants more effectively.

Combine experience with scientific knowledge while making decisions.

Role of Manager in a Research Role of Manager in a Research ProcessProcess

Role and expectation of both parties are made explicit.

Relevant philosophies and value systems of the organization are clearly stated and constraints, if any, communicated.

A good rapport is established with the researchers and between the researchers and the employees in the organization, enabling the full co-operation of the latter.

Internal versus External ResearchersInternal versus External Researchers

Advantages of an Internal researcher/s

More acceptability

Time saving

Post research availability for discussion, queries and explanations.

Cost effective

Internal versus External ResearchersInternal versus External Researchers

Disadvantages of an Internal researcher/s

Lack of fresh ideas.

Vulnerability to be influenced by lobby/groups with vested interests.

Vulnerability to gain wrong perception.

Vulnerability to be biased or regarded as such.

Internal versus External ResearchersInternal versus External Researchers

Advantages of an External researcher/s

Wealth of experience across organizations and industries.

Professionally trained personnel.

Availability of fresh, neutral and new perspectives.

Internal versus External ResearchersInternal versus External Researchers

Disadvantages of an External researcher/s

Cost more relatively.

More time consuming.

Vulnerability to receive lack of cooperation from employees.

Internal versus External ResearchersInternal versus External Researchers

The Key point….

If the problem is a complex one, or if there are likely to be vested interests, or if the very existence of the organization is at stake because of one or more serious problems, it would be advisable to engage external researchers despite the increased costs involved.

However, if the problems that are fairly simple and routine in nature and if time is of essence in solving moderately complex problems, the internal team would probably be a better option.

Ethical Issues in ResearchEthical Issues in Research

Leaking confidential information.

Pursuing self interest versus organizational interest.

Using unreliable and incomplete information to make recommendations.

What Attributes make research What Attributes make research scientific?scientific?

PurposivenessRigorTestabilityReplicabilityPrecisionConfidenceObjectivityGeneralizabilityParsimony

Attributes of a Scientific ResearchAttributes of a Scientific Research

Purposiveness

Directed towards an objective.

Rigor

Degree of exactitude in research investigation. In other words, completeness and comprehensiveness in research.

Testability

Data used must be testable and in a form that statistical tools and analysis can be used on it.

Attributes of a Scientific ResearchAttributes of a Scientific Research

Replicability

Extent to which the same results would be achieved if the research is carried out in a different organization with similar characteristics and factors involved.

Precision

Closeness of findings to reality.

Confidence

Probability that our estimates are correct. More the confidence, more the accuracy.

Attributes of a Scientific ResearchAttributes of a Scientific Research

Objectivity

Conclusion must be based on the facts of the findings derived from actual data and not on our own subjective or emotional values.

Generalizability

Scope of applicability of the research findings in one organizational setting to other settings.

Parsimony

Taking most relevant and important variables to research on rather than a long list with several unnecessary variables with weak relationships.

Deduction and InductionDeduction and Induction

Deduction

A process through which we arrive at a reasoned conclusion by logical generalization of a known fact.

Induction

A process where we observe certain phenomena and on this basis, we arrive at conclusions.

Scientific Deductive Research Scientific Deductive Research ProcessProcess

1. Observation

2. Preliminary Information gathering

3. Theory formulation

4. Hypothesizing

5. Further scientific data collection

6. Data analysis

7. Deduction

Other Types of ResearchOther Types of Research

Case Study

In-depth contextual analysis of similar situations in other organizations, where the nature and definition of the problem happen to be the same as experienced in the current situation.

Action Research

Solving problem through implementing planned changes with open feedback loop until the problem is resolved.