The Importance of Social Science in Informing HRM - Research Paper Example

Social scientists use new technologies and data to conduct studies that go beyond positivist frameworks (Schatzki, 2002). By offering a rich source of both qualitative and quantitative data, the Internet is a new and exciting field of study as well as a means for data collection. Furthermore, some social scientists eschew the desire for neutrality when methods themselves are political with social implications (Law, 2004). Finally, several modern social scientists believe that social scientists should only pursue research that matters to society and forget the pretension of becoming as objective as other scientific fields (Flyvbjerg, 2001).

Consequently, this essential social science research goal coincides with the study that intends to help resolve one of the social and economic problems in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)- the high turnover of locals in the nation and the low Saudi workers’ job satisfaction in the private sector.Why Do We Do Research?People conduct research for the pursuit of knowledge and discovery as well as a creative activity that can advance a field’s boundaries. Research is integral to social science as it provides knowledge and a basis for testing or revising existing paradigms and theories apart from the goal of developing new and more relevant models (Flyvbjerg, 2001).

Furthermore, research offers countless benefits to students as it exposes them to the exacting research process that hones skills and attitudes which would be useful in conducting future job roles and activities (Arena et al., 2015). Students who intend to become managers and specialists can use the scientific method to analyze and resolve real-life problems in their organizations and careers (Bande and Karanassou, 2009). In addition, research allows scholars to update knowledge quickly and advance workplace innovations.

Altogether, the Internet and electronic tools have vastly boosted the ability of people to conduct, analyze and share research findings.Why Does Social Science Matter?Despite some critics undermining the value of social science to modern society, its significance and contributions have become increasingly important as societies face diverse and complex issues and challenges more than ever, whether it is global warming, social inequality, or floundering organizational performance (Flyvbjerg, 2001).