The Positivist Lens - Essay Example

The Positivist Lens Background The study focuses on evaluating the impact of corporate social responsibility on business performance. Across decades, a number of approaches have been applied to studies related to corporate social responsibility, (Kaufmann and Olaru, 2012). The paper uses a positivist approach to analyzing the link between CSR and business performance. It presents a problem statement on a dimension of how Corporate Social Responsibility and its linked with business performance, quantitative research questions and the rationale to be used in the study.

Additionally, limitation of the quantitative approach and aspects of descriptive quantitative research design are also discussed. Problem of Statement Multiple studies have shown that Corporate Social Responsibility can no longer be seen by organizations as discretionary, rather it is now a pertinent strategic issue. However, there still is a gap in the empirical evidence on the actual link between CSR and actual business performance. The study will investigate the extent to which CSR has impacted business performance and by extension its benefits to society as a whole.

Quantitative Research Questions Creswell, (2008) document that quantitative research questions are designed to inquire about the relationships among variables that the investigator is seeking to know. The quantitative research question for this investigation is;Is there a significant positive correlation between Corporate Social Responsibility and actual business performance? Are there existing trends of measuring business performance in relation to strategy and are the key indicators of business performance valid?

Does Corporate Social Responsibility, directly or indirectly, affect key indicators of business performance including shareholder value, market value and revenue directly or indirect?Are the approaches used in measuring the impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on actual business performance effective? Purpose of the StudyThe purpose of the key purpose of the study will be to establish whether there is a correlation, positive or negative, between corporate social responsibility and actual business performance.

The study also seeks to establish and define any existing trends for measuring business performance in relation to existing strategy. The paper also purposes to establish the impact of CSR on business performance focusing on key performance indicators which include market value, revenue and shareholder value. The study will also have the purpose of establishing the approaches for effectively measuring the impact of CSR on business performance. Rationale The topic will be analyzed through the positivist lens which proposes that perceptual data derived from sensory experience and logically and mathematically treated is the source of all knowledge.

The approach has been shown to provide better measurements in all areas be they classifications or levels; besides it allows for the monitoring of trends over time, (Creswell, 2008). Since it provides for statistical manipulation, the researcher can find statistical correlations hence have a clearer picture on how the key variables; CSR and actual business performance relate. Besides, the conclusion will be derived from observable and provable facts besides, the study is predictive in nature and quantitative methods can be more effective than qualitative in for predictive studies, (Creswell, 2008).

Descriptive Quantitative Research Design The descriptive research design will be best suited for exploring how CSR affect business performance. Descriptive studies allow the researcher to observe the subjects without intervening hence in this particular case; it would make it possible to observe a number of organizations with CSR programs, (Orlitzky, Schmidt, and Rynes, 2003). The descriptive approach also allows for cross-sectional a study which enables a sample of subjects to be evaluated and a relationship between them determined, (Creswell, 2008).

The descriptive approach also allows for prospective, longitudinal and case control studies. Prospective or cohort studies allows for the evaluation of some of the variables and the determination of the outcomes after some time period. On a similar note, case control allows for cases to be compared hence trends can be determined and conclusions based on past recorded studies, (Creswell, 2008). Limitations of Quantitative approach The quantitative approach may be costly especially since the relation of corporate social responsibility and business performance require the evaluation of a number of variables.

Additionally, the researcher may not be able to explain the empirical evidence from a theoretical viewpoint. The approach is also limited since it may not be able to cover complex issues with accuracy, (Creswell, 2008). For the approach to be effective the survey designer must be effective, qualitative research may be involved at some point and multiple measures for each construct is also needed. ConclusionPreceding studies have found that Corporate Social responsibility can help organizations improve their business performance.

The research will seek to fill the gap in empirical evidence linking the CSR and business performance with key questions to be answered including whether there is a significant positive correlation between the two subjects. Additionally, a positivist perspective is favored in the research since it will present a clearer picture on the interaction between the two key variables. More specifically, a descriptive quantitative research design will be best suited in the study. ReferencesCreswell, J. W. (2008) Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed MethodsApproaches.

Sage Publications. Kaufmann, M. and Olaru, M. (2012). The Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Business Performance-Can It Be Measured, And If So, How? Retrieved, May 17 2012 from: http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org/ Orlitzky, M., Schmidt, L. F. and Rynes, S. L. (2003). “Corporate Social and FinancialPerformance: A Meta-analysis.” Organization Studies, 24(3): 403-441.