Historical Method - Research Paper Example

Historical Research Method Introduction The historical research method is the process of examining past events in a systematic way to account for what has happened in the past. It does not involve a mere accumulation of dates and facts or even a depiction of past occurrences, but rather, a flowing, lively account of events in the past that requires an interpretation in an effort to capture the personalities, ideas and nuances that influenced these events. A major goal of the historical research method is to communicate and understand past events in a chosen field of study (Michael & Urs, 2009). The process of studying and understanding the history and development of a certain profession or field of study can offer a view into organizational culture, existing trends, and future probabilities. The historical research method applies to all study fields because it covers their origins, development, theories, crisis, and personalities (Golder, 2011). Both qualitative and quantitative variables can be utilized in the collection of historical data. The historical research method comprises the guidelines and techniques by which researchers use primary, secondary, and other sources to research and document history. There is an increasing need for a historical perspective in business and business management. It is anticipated that a “historic turn” might aid the study of business less deterministic and more humanistic, ethical, and managerially relevant (Clarke, 2009). The methodology used There is no specific approach in conducting a historical research, though general steps must be followed. They include: Identifying the research topic and formulating the research question This is the first step in whichever kind of academic research. Ideas for the research topics can be from different sources such as the accomplishments of a person, current issues in education, relationship between events, and an educational policy (Detzner & Adler, 2010). Literature review or data collection This step involves spotting, locating, and collecting data pertaining to the topic of research. The information sources are usually contained in documents such as records, newspapers, relics, photographs, and interviews with people who have experienced or have knowledge of the research subject. Such interviews are called oral histories. Evaluation of materials Each data source must be evaluated for accuracy and authenticity since they can be affected by various factors like economic conditions, prejudice, and political climate. Sources must pass either an external criticism; the process of determining the trustworthiness, authenticity, or validity, or internal criticism; the process of determining the accuracy or reliability of the information collected. Firsthand information by event witnesses, for example are classically assumed to be more accurate and reliable. Data synthesis and preparing a report Synthesis is the selecting, structuring, and analyzing the materials gathered into central concepts and topical themes. Thesis themes are then joined to form a meaningful and contiguous whole. A literature review of where and how historical research method is used in the academic "business" literature This will give a description of the relevant literature in business. Historical research method can be used in market research to enable organizations stay fine tuned in business. It can help organizations to penetrate the wants and needs of customers and the techniques of how to meet these desires more effectively and efficiently. The documentations of earlier events may indicate ideas of marketing products, which may be incorporated in the current market. Such ideas make access to customers easy. It is important to analyze the potential competitors that have been in place since old times and position an organization properly to remain competitive in the markets (Dona, 2010). Business enterprises can employ checklists, questionnaires, and survey methods in their historical research when they need to quickly access many related data from individuals and interpreting that data in the best interest of their business. These methods are often cheap to administer, easy to interpret and analyze. Organizations can also reach masses of people within a short time, and there are several tools, which can be availed when they are ready to use. However, such tools have disadvantages such as lack of interest by participants, prejudiced answers by participants, and such research tools may not give the full account to the researcher (Small, 2009). Companies also use interviews in historical research methods for direct interactions with the audience. Interviews can be used when the company needs to get a full understanding of the experiences, perceptions, and impressions of people about a certain subject or to find out their answers to questions and experiences. This method is beneficial when the researching business or a researcher needs to obtain in-depth and full range information on the subject of interest. Literature review includes reviewing documentations. A historical research method involving documentation review can be used in the context where an organization wants to find out the impact of a certain program operating in the business without disrupting this program and its functions. Smith (2010), state that it may involve the review of finances, applications, and memos. This method is used when a researcher wants to understand the history of a certain subject or event. The method is highly practicable when the organization do not want to engage into the customers’ daily routine matters. In documentation review, the researcher is not forced to collect new information, as it already exist in the databases, having fewer biases fro participants. However, it too has some drawbacks, such as incomplete information or irrelevancy of data present to the researcher. Focus groups are significant when a researcher needs to search the topic of concern through discussion groups (Kelly, 2009). This permits him to explore the topic deeply and find experiences, understanding, reactions, complaints, and suggestions of people concerning a particular topic. Focus groups are important in marketing a given subject or evaluation of a problem. This method is quick in nature and reliable in providing massive information in a short period. A very significant methodology of historical research used in organizations currently is the use of appreciative inquiry. This provides vital leads to the development of a business, training, and employee developments and processes within a business to solve issues at hand. Appreciative inquiry states that problems are a result of our own perspectives and perceptions about something. It includes a variety of tools, techniques, and models derive from philosophy (Lacity & Marius, 2012). For example, if it used in the strategic planning of a business, it will incorporate the identification of particular successful decisions made in the past and their results. It will also include the dream of the company; its targets and implementing from what has been regarded as the best solution in a certain situation. This approach has recognizable impacts on the organizational developments and planning. Historical research method in business management context Historical research methods can offer a business and its management an opportunity get a rich understanding of situation and the background in which they exist. Recognizing the background to any issue or situation enhances comprehension and advances the ability to realize what is important and what is not. Rice and O’Connor (2009) argue that historical research method has been used in business and management studies in only relevant circumstances. It has been used to indicate whether there is evidence of an event that happened previously and has a special significance on how decisions at hand are made. It has also been used to indicate policies established in a business. Most importantly, historical research has been utilized to illustrate if there is a particular suggestion that the business experienced a similar situation in the past, and if lessons learned during that time have been disregarded or considered (Phil, 2010). Businesses have been learning from this research methods to realize that the likelihood that the recent situation form part of the cycle and that comprehending the nature of the cycle plays a major role in solving the current situation (Kreamer, 2011). These research methods can be applied to assess the shifting perception of value of business in the public sector (Calvert, 2009). Establishing that decisions in business management are driven by views of value that change with time and the effectiveness and extent are closely related to the evolution speed and the ability of individual heroes to overcome systematic barriers in business (Heinrich, 2012). Conclusion It is quite clear that historical research method in the field if academic business and business management. However, the significance or relevance of it the research has its own critics. It is thus necessary to consider that the method does not mean the primacy of mere facts. Even when the approach is suitable for business studies, it is a challenge to carry out a competent research work through this paradigm. Historical research is not an easy task for an academic researcher. As business studies and management grow, it is vital that this field needs to focus more on historical research techniques, effectively and more frequently. After all, any discipline must include four components specifically a history, an ethics, theories/paradigms, and empirical data (facts and observations). The paper is a good starting point for researchers who have interest in developing the historical component by realizing the applicability of this method to the paradigms incorporated in business and business management. In addition, it outlines the steps involved in conducting the research. Such a synthesis of the historical research method potentially increases the chances for new knowledge or insights. References Calvert, J. (2009). What is special about basic research? 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