CHAPTER 1 Practical Business Research

A working definition: Any systematic attempt at collecting and interpreting data and evidence in order to inform thinking, decisions and/or actions in relation to an issue of interest to an organisation and/or its stakeholders Practical business research

The need for Practical Business Research If decisions are to be well-informed (and not misinformed) by research, managers need the ability to: distinguish good research from bad carry out trustworthy research themselves commission and manage consultant researchers judge and use other relevant research advisedly. The need for practical business research

Related concepts: Academic research: ‘gathering empirical evidence upon which theories... can be based’ Buchanan et al (1988) Research method: ‘simply a technique for collecting data’ Bryman and Bell (2007) Research, inquiry and investigation have different associations. Related concepts

Practical Business Research Results can have real consequences – for your career – for your client – for employees in your research organisation(s) There will be many factors you cannot control The role of theory may be different Key features of practical business research

Practical Business Research – distinctive features There are real and distinctive challenges in carrying out worthwhile research into significant issues. Meeting these challenges can develop important research-related professional skills, with potential career benefits. Practical business research: distinctive features Student Activities 1 and 2

Specific challenges of PBR ….. Business issues arise within complex contexts. ‘The problem’ may be merely a symptom. There may be few objective ‘facts’ available, or even obtainable. Stakeholders with (different) vested interests and power may influence your research. There is never enough time. You, the researcher, may be part of the problem! Specific challenges of practical business research

What does ‘theory’ mean in practical business Research? A theory: an organised set of assumptions which generate testable predictions about the relationship between variables versus Theory: any concept, construct or conceptual framework which helps us think about and/or better understand some aspect of an issue of concern. What does ‘theory’ mean in practical business research? Student Activity 3

Roles of theory Roles of theory in research

Theory as aid or output? Practical research usually starts with an issue. Theory helps you address this more effectively – select the theory for its potential utility. While you may eventually challenge or amend the theory, that is seldom the priority in practical research. Academic research typically starts with theory and/or a theoretical debate – the priority is to develop theory. Theory as aid or as output?

The logic of research Logical steps: Work out what would be relevant. First you need to work out what the issue really is, then decide what data would cast light upon it. Work out a systematic approach to collecting reliable and valid data and evidence – Decide how to analyse and interpret your data so that your conclusions are trustworthy. Do what you have decided! Communicate your conclusions effectively. The logic of research

Living with messiness Real-life investigations tend to be messy. Ideas of what the issue is develop as you gain insights. Researching complex issues thus requires a spiral or a messier looping process. Successful looping requires a sound understanding of the underlying research logic. Capture insights, reframings and other reflections in your research journal. Living with messiness