Improving Employees' Interpersonal Communication Competencies - Research Paper Example

Comprehensive Question (Qualitative and Quantitative Studies) INTRODUCTION Qualitative research is referred to a particular method or approach, through which, it is possible to conduct enquiries in relation to the fields of social sciences and human behaviors. Applying the qualitative research approach, enquiries can be conducted in varied fields including anthropology, psychology, sociology, education, nursing and marketing among others. To be noted in this regard, qualitative research techniques are usually applied in academic studies for identifying as well as analyzing the outcomes of a research. With the help of this particular research approach, it is possible to analyze gathered information with the aim of obtaining an in-depth understanding about various concerned issues (Bernard & Ryan 1-451). On the other hand, quantitative research mainly considers numerical explanations or statistical measures. It is fundamentally applied as a systematic approach, based on which, a research or investigation is performed with the help of employing varied statistical or numerical techniques to obtain firm evidences of the findings generated. The prime aim of quantitative researches is in most of the cases identified to employ a numerical/ statistical model and examine hypotheses in relation to the subject matter, which either leads to the rejection or acceptance of the assumptions taken. Irrespective of its wide differences with qualitative measures applied in a research study, quantitative research approach is also deemed as effective in the fields of social sciences including psychology, sociology, history, economics, marketing, health, human development, gender along with political science and anthropology among others (Balnaves and Caputi 1-272). THESIS STATEMENT The prime intent of this essay is to compare and contrast the methodology and procedures of the provided quantitative as well as qualitative journals with following the proposal outlines of Creswell and Earl Babbies. These journals include "Business Statistics and Management Science Online: Teaching Strategies and Assessment of Student Learning" of Sebastianelli and Tamimi (2011) as the quantitative journal and the qualitative journal "Improving Employees’ Interpersonal Communication Competencies: A Qualitative Study" of Hynes (2012). ANALYSIS OF THE QUALITATIVE ARTICLE: "IMPROVING EMPLOYEES’ INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION COMPETENCIES: A QUALITATIVE STUDY" The provided qualitative journal article has been broadly analyzed by following the factors that have been outlined in the proposal of Creswell. These factors have been discussed in detail in the following: Introduction. In this particular journal, a qualitative approach of research methodology has been taken into concern. In terms of rationale, it can be affirmed that this particular research method has been selected for the research study in order to conduct a detailed analysis about the significant aspects of employee engagement and the key success factors of the US based organizations towards the attainment of their predetermined targets. Moreover, the study attempted to identify the importance of interpersonal communication with the aim of enhancing the factor of employee engagement. At the same time, the research study also endeavored to evaluate the essentiality of providing effective training to the employees for developing their respective interpersonal communication skills (Hynes 466-475). Statement of the Problem The problem statement in relation to the qualitative article of “Improving Employees’ Interpersonal Communication Competencies: A Qualitative Study” can be ascertained as that failure to recognize the association prevailing between employee involvement and business success might lead towards disturbing the emotional well-being of the workers at large. Thus, the author in this article highlighted the significance of identifying such relationship for reaping several significant benefits like accomplishing superior competitive position as compared to others (Hynes 466-475). Purpose of the Study The prime objective or the purpose of the study can be determined as identifying how the association prevailing between employee involvement and business success will enable in developing the emotional well-being of the workers from the viewpoint of the modern companies. The Research Questions By taking into concern the above discussed purpose of the study, one of the research questions can be framed as: What is the relationship prevailing between employee engagement and business success, which ensures facilitating and promoting the emotional well-being of the workers? Delimitations and Limitations It has been earlier mentioned that a qualitative research approach has been undertaken in the provided qualitative research study. Hence, one of the major limitations in relation to this research study can be related with the number of respondents. Accordingly, the number of respondents selected for this study was relatively small, which might generate complexities associated with the generalization of data. Since, the study was based on the extensive use of secondary data, the validity of the inferences might get affected at large (Hynes 466-475). Procedures. Characteristics of Qualitative Research In order to determine the facets of qualitative research relating to the provided qualitative article of “Improving Employees’ Interpersonal Communication Competencies: A Qualitative Study” article, it can be asserted that the research method has successfully analyzed the human behaviors more accurately. Thus, with this notion, the application of qualitative research in the provided study certainly aided in reducing the chances of having complexities in terms of promoting the generalization of overall research outcomes or findings (Hynes 466-475). Qualitative Research Strategy During the data collection method of any specific research study, it is quite essential to determine the elements of the research. With regard to the provided qualitative article of “Improving Employees’ Interpersonal Communication Competencies: A Qualitative Study”, utmost focus was laid on utilizing both primary and secondary sources for collecting relevant data. Primary sources of data collection involve gathering data through questionnaire survey, interview, observation and focus group. In this study, face-to-face interview with two hundred and thirty eight employees of seven different companies were arranged for collecting primary data relevant to the study. Employees were also chosen from three industries with each of the directorial, managerial and administrative categories to obtain a comprehensive outlook of all the three companies’ sustainability strategies. On the other hand, data were also collected from varied secondary sources. In this context, the secondary data was mainly gathered through lately published journals, articles, books and newspapers relevant to the research topic (Hynes 466-475). Role of the Researcher According to the viewpoints of Hynes (2012), working environment imposes significant impact on the performance of the employees. In this regard, it can be asserted that the attitude of the workforce can be identified through assessing their respective performances. Hynes (2012) further argued that through establishing a strong relationship between the employees and the organizations it can be possible to encourage workers to contribute their utmost efforts towards the accomplishment of desired business goals. At the same time, by promoting employee engagement, it might be possible to ensure the development of interpersonal communication skill amid the workforce (Hynes 466-475). Data Collection Procedure The data required to accomplish the objectives of this project was collected through interview. An open-ended interview form was selected as appropriate for this study, which provided sufficient scope to the interviewees to reveal their perceptions. Nevertheless, it also increased risks for vagueness, causing biases during the data interpretation process. Accordingly, in order to minimize these risk factors, the data was also collected from reliable and authenticated academic sources that provided clarity to the obtained feedbacks from the interviewees (Hynes 466-475). Data Analysis Procedure During the data analysis procedure, the data collected through the interview process was assessed with a narrative mode. As mentioned in the above section, open-ended interview results often increases chances of vagueness and biases in the interpreted results. Therefore, in order to avoid these limitations, the data was re-assessed in alignment with the results and findings obtained through secondary data sources that helped assuring quality and transparency in the entire data analysis procedure (Hynes 466-475). Strategies for Validating Findings In order to ensure the validity of the research during the data collection process, free consents from the interviewees was obtained. Similarly, the respondents were also duly informed about the research objective, so that they are able to comply with the research objectives and deliver factual as well as reliable data. In addition, the validation process of the findings generated through questionnaire survey also included alignment of the same with the secondary sources, rewarding more clarity and generalisability within the same context (Hynes 466-475). Narrative Structure A textual narrative structure was preferred in order to express the outcomes of this research study. Numerical elaborations and justifications also were included in the narrative structure of this study (Hynes 466-475). Anticipated Ethical Issues During the research study, in order to ascertain the appropriate outcome, respondents were selected on a random basis, so that biases could be avoided from the ground level of the study. Moreover, the feedbacks and responses of the respondents were documented with due considerations for future references but accordingly, providing importance to their right to privacy, and the identification of the respondents were kept confidential (Hynes 466-475). Significant of the Study The findings obtained in this study are expected to offer an in-depth understanding to rationalize the relationship between employee’s communication competencies and organizational performance, highlighting upon its significance. Accordingly, these findings can be used by organizations to monitor and manage their strategic drivers, in relation to employee interpersonal communication when aiming at better performances (Hynes 466-475). Preliminary Findings During the data analysis process in relation to the provided qualitative article of “Improving Employees’ Interpersonal Communication Competencies: A Qualitative Study” article, it has been possible to determine the outcomes of the research study with maintaining the aspects of reliability as well as validity. In relation to the research study, with the aim of determining the essentiality of the interpersonal communication skills, the study has reviewed several recently published peer journals, books and business reports along with distinct company websites. Apart from these, with the aim of identifying the essentiality of interpersonal communication for employees, a questionnaire survey has been mainly conducted (Hynes 466-475). Expected Outcomes In order to evaluate the validity, reliability and ethnicity of the provided qualitative based article, it can be asserted that this particular study is highly dependent on secondary research approach for gathering relevant and valued data. At the same time, in order to highlight the validity of this particular research study, it can be claimed that the qualitative research study largely rely on determining the reliability of the data collected. Therefore, the reliability of data compiled will be duly ensured. The expected outcomes in relation to the provided qualitative article can be ascertained as finding out the exact relationship prevailing between employee involvement and business success and confirming that this particular approach facilitates in promoting the emotional well-being of the workers at large (Hynes 466-475). ANALYSIS OF THE QUANTITATIVE ARTICLE: "BUSINESS STATISTICS AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCE ONLINE: TEACHING STRATEGIES AND ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING” The provided quantitative journal article has been deeply examined by following the factors that have been outlined in the proposal of Earl Babbies. These factors have been elaborately discussed in detail hereunder. Introduction. In relation to the provided quantitative article i.e. “Business Statistics and Management Science Online: Teaching Strategies and Assessment of Student Learning” journal, a quantitative approach of research methodology has been undertaken. In terms of rationale, it can be affirmed that this particular research method has been chosen for the research study, as it helped in deeply analyzing the involvement of online teaching and learning in the local business markets of the US through empirical evidences. In this regard, in order to identify the involvement of online business education and determine the professor-student relationship in the US, this particular study duly considered varied literatures and collected required data from such market of the nation (Sebastianelli & Tamimi 317-325). In the aforementioned journal, several recently published peer reviewed journals and books along with educational websites have been analyzed adequately for the assessment of students’ learning procedure. Apart from this, with the aim of identifying the professor-student relationship, a survey has been conducted amid the citizens of the US. Moreover, several hypotheses have been drawn for identifying the actual situations regarding online teaching and learning process. In this regard, it can be affirmed that the selection of quantitative research method is deemed was appropriate (Sebastianelli & Tamimi 317-325). Review of the Literature. The quantitative research approach signifies a proper sampling measurement in relation to the online learning tendency of the students in this article. In order to highlight the role of the researcher, it can be asserted that wider statistical measures have been applied by gathering data from the randomly selected 101 students. The research study has intended to identify the dependency level of the students specifically on the internet. Moreover, the researcher also attempted to identify the relation persisting between students’ performance and the teaching strategies with the involvement of internet. The research study has highly relied on the set of statistical data, which is usually gathered from the population with the aim of identifying the exact research outcomes (Sebastianelli & Tamimi 317-325). Specifying the Problem. The provided quantitative article mainly specified the research problem about the increased level of issues concerning assessment as well as quality with the augmentation in online businesses. Moreover, the issues persistent in identifying the students’ learning trend were also specified in the provided quantitative article. Research Design. In this article, it was ascertained that the number of online business has risen by a considerable extent in this modern day context as compared to the earlier years. At the same time, it was also found that the tendency of online courses has also increased amid the students. In order to identify the characteristics of the quantitative research during the analysis of the provided article i.e. “Business Statistics and Management Science Online: Teaching Strategies and Assessment of Student Learning”, it can be stated that the selected research method analyzed the collected data or information for enhancing the level of understanding regarding the specific subject matter. Hancock, Ockleford & Windridge (2009) claimed that the quantitative method is suitable for identifying the perception of the students regarding online study. Moreover, through the help of this research method, research hypothesis have been drawn with the aim of identifying the students’ performance along with the contribution of the internet in developing the teaching pattern and the learning process (Ockleford & Windridge pp. 1-39). Similarly, several types of questions can be applied in order to research the subject matter of the provided quantitative article. Thus, in relation to this consequence, it can be claimed that the adoption of a specific approach in case qualitative research can influence the outcomes of the study at large. Data Collection Method. In order to highlight the research strategy of the quantitative article provided i.e. “Business Statistics and Management Science Online: Teaching Strategies and Assessment of Student Learning”, it can be asserted that the qualitative research method conducted an interview with a group of 101 students. In this regard, it can be claimed that the population sample has been chosen based on the subject matter of the research. Moreover, it can be asserted that in order to develop a quantitative research, it is required to analyze the gathered data with the help of statistical measures such as mean, medium, mode, correlation and regression among others (Ockleford & Windridge 1-39). Selection of Subject. During the modern era, the tendency of online learning has increased substantially causing strong influences on the global society. Thus, when selecting the subject, the author has tried to identify the teaching strategies along with assessment of student learning (Ockleford & Windridge 1-39). Ethical Issues. In order to highlight the limitation or the ethical issue persistent within the quantitative research during the analysis of the provided quantitative article, a limited number of respondents has been taken into concern for conducting the study. Accordingly, the number of respondents selected for this study was relatively small; hence the responses received from them were also small or inappropriate, which further increased the complexities associated with the generalization of the data. Since, the study was based on the extensive use of secondary data, any manipulation by previous authors may also have distorted the validity of the inferences at large (Ockleford & Windridge 1-39). Data Analysis. In relation to the provided qualitative article i.e. “Business Statistics and Management Science Online: Teaching Strategies and Assessment of Student Learning”, it has been revealed that out of 101 students, approximately 84 students spend at least four hours on the internet based studying purpose (Sebastianelli & Tamimi 317-325). Expected Outcomes. In order to represent the expected outcomes of the provided quantitative based article, it can be asserted that the research study is primarily relied on the process through which, the relevant data and information can be acquired in relation to the particular research topic. In this context, it can be claimed that the researcher has collected data from 101 students as the sample for identifying the valid outcomes of the study. Moreover, according to analyzed and statistical measures, it is expected that the research study will highlight the appropriate scenario of the students regarding their tendency of online study. With the help of this quantitative analysis, it can also be possible to recognize the teaching approach. At the same time, it is expected that the study will also evaluate the relation prevailing between online teaching and learning process with the effectiveness of this particular approach (Sebastianelli & Tamimi 317-325). At the same time, according to the outcome, it can be expected that the quantitative research study will determine the cause and effect of the research problem. Moreover, it will also aid in selecting the appropriate hypothesis according to the investigation process (Hynes 466-475; Sebastianelli and Tamimi 317-325). COMPARE AND CONTRAST Based on the above analysis, it can be ascertained that the qualitative research method is quite difficult to consider in managing and generalizing data with due regard to varied subject matters of research. Thus, it can be argued that the qualitative method offers greater flexibility in relation to the article provided “Improving Employees’ Interpersonal Communication Competencies: A Qualitative Study” with the aim of acquiring comprehensive understanding regarding the essentiality of interpersonal communication and employee engagement. Moreover, through the assistance of qualitative research method, several academic views have been reviewed with the aim of reaching into a valid conclusion. Thus, it can be stated that qualitative research method is an appropriate selection for the study of social science and human behavior. On the other hand, it can be also stated that quantitative method is more likely a scientific approach and is often very difficult to manage. Thus, in relation to the quantitative article provided i.e. “Business Statistics and Management Science Online: Teaching Strategies and Assessment of Student Learning” article, it can be claimed that the use of quantitative method provides a better understanding about the teaching and learning tendencies of study of the students. Additionally, the method also tried to expose the involvement of online study during the contemporary era. Moreover, during drawing valid conclusions, the quantitative research method aids in evaluating and reviewing in-depth context about the research objectives (Balnaves & Caputi 1-272). CONCLUSION From the above analysis and discussion, it can be asserted that the application of quantitative research is quite appropriate in relation to the article "Business Statistics and Management Science Online: Teaching Strategies and Assessment of Student Learning" of Sebastianelli & Tamimi (2011). Whereas, in case of the qualitative article provided i.e. "Improving Employees’ Interpersonal Communication Competencies: A Qualitative Study" of Hynes (2012), the application of the qualitative method seems to be quite adequate. However, in this regard, it can be recommended that the application of a mixed approach will be more suitable for this particular study. This can be justified with reference to the fact that primary along with secondary data will be gathered in case of mixed approach with the intention of determining appropriate research findings. Works Cited Balnaves, Mark, and Peter Caputi. Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods: An Investigative Approach. Thousand Oaks, California: Sage, 2001. Print. Bernard, H. Russell, and Gery W. Ryan. Qualitative Data Analysis: Systematic Approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 2010. Print. Hancock, Beverley, Elizabeth Ockleford, and Kate Windridge. “An Introduction to Qualitative Research.” National Institute for Heath and Research (2009): 1-39. Print. Hynes, Geraldine E. “Improving Employees’ Interpersonal Communication Competencies: A Qualitative Study.” Business Communication Quarterly 75.4 (2010): 466-475. Print. Sebastianelli, Rose, and Nabil Tamimi. “Business Statistics and Management Science Online: Teaching Strategies and Assessment of Student Learning.” Journal of Education for Business 86 (2011): 317–325. Print. Rubin, Allen, and Earl Babbie. Essential Research Methods for Social Work. USA: Cengage Learning. 2009. Print. Read More