Introduction Chapter 1 and 2 Slides From Research Methods for Business By Uma Sekaran

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? It encompasses the process of : inquiry, investigation, examination and experimentation.

Steps in Research: General Approach Define problem Obtain information Analyze information Take actions based on analysis

Classification of Research Applied Research Basic Research

Applied 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 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 Managers 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 Managers 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 Process 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 Researchers Advantages of an Internal researcher/s More acceptability Time saving Post research availability for discussion, queries and explanations. Cost effective

Internal 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 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 Researchers Disadvantages of an External researcher/s Cost more relatively. More time consuming. Vulnerability to receive lack of cooperation from employees.

Internal 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 Research Leaking confidential information. Pursuing self interest versus organizational interest. Using unreliable and incomplete information to make recommendations.

What Attributes make research scientific? Purposiveness Rigor Testability Replicability Precision Confidence Objectivity Generalizability Parsimony

Attributes 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 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 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 Induction 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 Process Observation Preliminary Information gathering Theory formulation Hypothesizing Further scientific data collection Data analysis Deduction

Other 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.