How to do research project on management - Essay Example

Chapter II Methodology METHODOLOGY Researching simply put, refers to the inquiry in to various aspects of life has been a practice, which sback to many centuries and resulted in due to the inherent curiosity of the human mind seeking new knowledge. Focusing on the branch of Management research, there are various methods of research available including statistical analysis, simulations, observations, interviews, action oriented research, case study based research etc. Author decided to choose qualitative method of research in uncovering the soft aspects associated with the work related values present in the Jordanian culture as such subjects of research required deep probing and understanding and interpretation of human thoughts which are best expressed qualitatively than in quantitative terms. 1.1 CHOICE OF QUALITATIVE RESEARCH Motives behind initiating a qualitative research is mainly to uncover or establish a basic understanding, knowledge, or a hypothesis pertaining to a certain issue. Such research can be the foundation for further research of quantitative nature, which can establish the validity of new knowledge generated through the qualitative research. Struss and Corbin (1990) defined Qualitative research broadly as “any kind of research that produces findings not arrived at by means of statistical procedures or other means of quantification” (Strauss & Corbin, 1990, page. 17). Qualitative research differs from quantitative research on grounds of what is being researched of. “Qualitative research involves the collection of data about attitudes, beliefs and intensions” (Hall et al. 2004, page. 153) and can also be used to gain new perspectives on things about which much is already known, or to gain more in-depth information that may be difficult to convey quantitatively. Qualitative research emphasizes comprehensive interdependent, holistic structures that are dynamic and predictive” (Punnette & Shenkar, 1996, page. 69). This allows to reconcile any contradictory findings resulting from different research studies, as “the role of any given variable is seen as the outcome of different combinations of variable” (Punnette & Shenkar, 1996, page. 69) and it’s interactions. Therefore, this method of management research is most suited for “understanding cross cultural phenomena” (Punnette & Shenkar, 1996, page. 69) such as the presence and impact of Hofstede’s WRV in current context of Jordanian organisations. Hypothesis can be tested in two methods as deductive or inductive research. When deductive research is being used, an existing theory is tested in different situations and conditions to establish the validity. Based on the results, the theory can then be amended, confirmed, or discarded all together as invalid. This research has been carried out based on deductive method of “generating theories is to start at the level of practice” (Anderson, 2004). This type of research involves generating a proposition of a theory base don the observations of a situation. Theory that has been generated from data that has been inductive has more staying power in the face of validity tests as its unlikely to be proved totally wrong by later studies although room for modifications may exist (Punnett & Shenkar, 1996). 1.2 RESEARCH METHOD There are numerous means of conducting qualitative research, methods such as focus groups, surveys as well as interviews (Wolcott 1995). To facilitate the process of uncovering insightful findings, the author opts for a multi-method approach for a research strategy allowing for several methods of collecting the data (Saunders et. al., 1997). For the purpose of the study, surveys were used in conjunction with telephone interviews. To triangulate these primary data the author has also accessed the websites of the organisations for their core values, mission statements, messages and other secondary data as internal company records including organisational structures, annual reports etc. Such data can be “qualitatively analysed” provided the “relevance to the study topic” is present (Anderson, 2004, page. 134). 1.3 RESEARCH PROCESS 1.3.1 Designing of Research Instruments In designing surveys, it is important to establish the purpose of the survey and consider the key variables, which are being identified and how the data gathered will be analysed (Anderson, 2004). Having considered these aspects, 4 semi-structured descriptive questionnaires focusing on organisational culture, key HRM practices and two dimensions of work related values (Power Distance & Collectivism) were drawn up to facilitate the study. The questions were formed by employing relevance trees tactics keeping the focus on the key hypothesis being explored. The aim was to give proper direction to the research (Buzan, 1995). The questionnaires were piloted with the aid of colleagues, so that the instruments clarity as well as effectiveness was assessed and adjustments were made to certain wording and removing technical jargon (Bell, 1993). To simplify the survey process, a tick box format was provided for certain questions with the option of elaborating and providing alternative answers (Saunders et. al., 1997). Although majority of the survey was with tick box questions which carries the limitation of suggestion bias (Anderson, 2004), opportunity to provide alternative answers with own explanations were incorporate to the questionnaires. 1.3.2 Sampling From the two main approaches to sampling involving probability and non-probability sampling, later is the most used in qualitative research (Anderson, 2004) and includes accidental sampling, purposive sampling and quota sampling methods. In this study, Non probability purposive sampling is used. When purposive sampling is being used, people are chosen with a purpose and because of their experience or knowledge of the variables being inquired in to (Anderson, 2004). As in the case of this study, a purposive sample can be chosen by selecting managers from HRM department who can share their views and knowledge on the HRM practices of the organisation. Three organisations were selected for the purpose of the study. Two of these companies, Progress Soft and Aspire are from IT industry while the other, Xpress is from Telecommunication industry. 30 participants were selected for the sample population representing different hierarchical levels of the companies. The sample for telephone interviews was selected from the managerial carder and three participants as follows were included in the telephone interview process. Progress Soft - Mr. Aspire - Mr. Xpress - Mr. 1.3.3 Data Gathering Where primary data gathering is concerned, it is important to be fully aware of the purpose of the study and keep an open mind so that data, which may offer contrary findings, are also assimilated without investigative bias. The data gathering process of the research in context was carried out mainly through surveys. In addition the primary data collection process was further strengthened through interviews (Patton, 1990) conducted with three key parties from the three organisations. Use of secondary data such as documentary evidence can strengthen the research process by “providing specific details about particular relevant events” (Anderson, 2004, page. 125). Author utilized existing internal information such as organisation charts, annual reports, company mission statements and core value statements as well as recruitment procedures and policies gathered from the three companies. As the usefulness of such documents was briefed to the telephone interviewees in advance (Anderson, 2004) some of these documents were emailed by them. 1.3.3.1 Surveys Survey research, can be defined “as the method of gathering data from respondents thought to be representative of some population, using an instrument composed of closed structure or open-ended questions” (Survey Research 2006). Surveys remain a “very popular method within HR investigative enquiries” (Anderson, 2004, page. 212). To aid the qualitative nature of the research in context, the survey has been structured differently with open-ended questions to facilitate explanatory answers from the respondent. However the limitations and disadvantages associated with “subsequent analysis of data” gathered from open ended and semi structured surveys remains a challenge (Anderson, 2004, page. 213). The administering of survey, which refers “to the arrangement by which the survey will reach the respondents is vital to optimize the response.” In the case of the study, “Self Administered Questionnaire” method (Anderson, 2004, page. 219) was chosen and the surveys were emailed to the sample population and followed up with personalized emails “giving clear explanation of the purpose of the study” and encouraging the answering and returning of surveys (Anderson, 2004, page. 220). An advantage of communicating to respondents before the questionnaire is that it increased the response rate, and addressed ethical concerns (Saunders et. al., 1997). Out of the 30 in the sample population, 24 persons have responded which is a high rate of response. The particular method of administering the survey was effective as all companies involved were from IT and communication industry and relied heavily on email communications. It also allowed surmounting the limitation of geographical distance. 1.3.3.2 Interviews Interviews are becoming a more common form of qualitative data gathering and facilitate generation of in-depth responses when structured appropriately as completely open ended or semi structured, depending up on the purpose of the study (Anderson, 2004). The mode of interviews should also be considered depending upon constraints and resources at disposal. Although face-to-face interviews are the most common, telephone interviews are gaining in its popularity due to convenience and cost effectiveness. The author used approximately 5 open-ended questions in the telephone interviews conducted. As a vital step in the preparation process, the interviewees were emailed in advance the basic background and purpose of the research as well as explanation of the topics being discussed (Anderson, 2004). The interviews lasted in average 40-45 minutes. 1.3.4 Analysis Analysis in this research has been carried out by categorising, tabulating and establishing relationships between organisational culture and HRM practices as well as identifying the degree of existence of two of Hofstede’s Work Related Values being researched upon. Specific techniques such as placing information into tables and creating flow charts and models have been utilized (Miles & Huberman, 1984). In order to avoid reaching premature conclusions, the analysis has made use of the cross-case search for patterns technique where data is considered from many perspectives and efforts are made to place the findings from the three corporate entities in juxta-position. 1.4 LIMITATIONS The main limitation of the study is the small sample size of the study, which comprise of three corporate entities representing the Jordanian private sector. Due to the geographical distance and difficulties in carrying out extensive field research, the author is unable to surmount this limitation. However to strengthen the study and minimize the affects of this aspect, the author has expanded the number of respondents to 30. In carrying out telephone interviews, the most effective means of face-to-face interviews wee not possible to be undertaken. Telephone interviews were used in place and to cost involved with long durations of the interviews was a limitation. Also, some of the questions and answers needed to be repeated due to disturbances in international phone connections. Although interview results are best validated by showing the transcribed results to the interviewee and verifying the conclusions (Wass & Wells, 1994) which increase the accuracy of the interviews, this process was not adhered due limitations in time and resources available for carrying out such complete form of field research. Another limitation is the sensitivity of the topics being addressed such as power distance, leadership styles and collective bargaining etc. and as such the respondents may opt to ignore or provide non-committal answers. The survey respondents were offered the choice of remaining anonymous and ethical issues of maintaining confidentiality has to be ensured. Further, to ensure a clearer understanding of such sensitive cultural dimensions, secondary research pertaining to company culture will also be used to shed insight in to such issues (Cresswell, 1994). Word Count 1893 References Bell, J. (1993). Doing Your Research Project. Buckingham: Open University Press Cresswell, J. (1994) Research Design: Qualitative And Quantitative Approaches. London: Sage publications. Saunders, M. Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A. (1997) Research Methods For Business Students. London: Pitman Publishing. Wass, V. J. and Wells P. (1994) Principles And Practice In Business And Management Research. London: Pitman Publishing. Miles, M., & Huberman, M. (1984). Qualitative data analysis: A source book for new methods. Thousand Oaks, California: Sage Publications. Strauss, A., & Corbin, J. (1990). Basics of qualitative research: Grounded theory procedures and techniques. California: Sage Publications, Inc. Patton, M. Q. (1990). 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