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1. Introduction to researchResearch is the process of finding solutions to a problem after a thorough study and analysis of
the situational factors. Business research can be described as a systematic and organized effort
to investigate a specific problem encountered in the work setting, which needs a solution.
Research encompasses the process of inquiry, investigation, examination and experimentation.
Information for any research can be provided by a analysis of data gathered first-hand, or of data
that are already available (f.e. archives). These data can be quantitative (in the form of numbers as
generally gathered through structured questions) or qualitative (in the form of words as generated
from f.e. interviews).
In accounting, budget control systems, practices and procedures are frequently examined.
In finance, for example the operations of financial institutions, optimum financial ratios, mergers
and acquisitions and the behavior of stock exchange become the focus of the investigation.
Management research could encompass the study of employee attitudes and behaviors, HRM and
the information systems.
Marketing research could also address issues pertaining to consumer decision making, customer
satisfaction and loyalty, market segmentation.
These factors must also be investigated in the context of the external environment facing the
business.
Research can be taken for 2 purposes. One is to solve a problem faced by the manager in the
work setting, demanding a timely solution. Such research is called applied research. (f.e. a
particular product may not be selling well and the manager might want to find the reasons for this
in order to take corrective action). The other is to generate a body of knowledge by trying to
comprehend how certain problems that occur in organizations can be solved. This is called basic,
fundamental or pure research. In other words: Research done with the intention of applying the
results of the findings to solve specific problems currently being experienced in an organization is
called applied research. Research done chiefly to make a contribution to existing knowledge is
called basic, fundamental or pure research.
Some examples of why professional managers need to know about research methods in stead of
just hiring someone to do the job for you:
-Managers can identify (and solve minor) problems before they go out of hand.
-Managers will know how to discriminate good from bad research.
Managers often need to engage a consultant to study some of the more complex, time-consuming
problems. While hiring researchers or consultants, the manager should make sure that:
-The roles and expectations of both parties are made explicit.
-Relevant philosophies and value systems of the organization are clearly stated and constraints
are communicated.
-A good rapport is established with the researchers and between the researchers and the
employees, enabling the full cooperation of the latter.
Internal vs external consultants/researchers
Internal:
Some organizations have their own consulting or research department, which serves as the
internal consultant to subunits of the organization that face certain problems and seek help.
Advantages:
-The internal team stands a better chance of being readily accepted by the employees in the
subunit of the organization where research needs to be done.
-The team requires much less time to understand the structure, the philosophy and climate and the
functioning and work systems of the organization.
-They are available to implement their recommendations after the research findings have been
accepted. This is very important because any ‘’bugs’’ in the implementation of the
, recommendations may be removed with their help. They are also available to evaluate the
effectiveness of the changes and to consider further changes if and when necessary.
-The internal team might cost considerably less than an external team for the department enlisting
help in problem solving, because they will need less time to understand the system due to their
continuous involvement with carouse units of the organization. For problems of low complexity, the
internal team would be ideal.
Disadvantages:
-The internal team may quite possibly fall into a stereotyped way of looking at the organization and
its problems. This inhibits any fresh ideas and perspectives that might be needed to correct the
problem.
-There is scope for certain powerful coalitions in the organization to influence the internal team to
conceal, distort, or misrepresent certain facts.
-There is the possibility that even the most highly qualified internal research teams are not
perceived as ‘experts’ by the staff and management, and hence their recommendations may not
get the consideration they deserve.
-Certain organizational biases of the internal research team might make the findings less objective
and consequently less scientific.
External:
The disadvantages of the internal turn out to be the advantages of the external teams, however,
the specific advantages and disadvantages of the external teams are highlighted:
Advantages:
-The external team can draw on a wealth of experience from having worked with different types of
organizations that have had the same or similar types of problems.
- The external teams might have more knowledge of current sophisticated problem-solving
models through their periodic training programs.
Disadvantages:
-The cost of hiring an external research team is usually high.
-In addition to the considerable time the external team takes to understand the organization being
researched, they seldom are readily accepted by employees.
-The external team also charges additional fees for their assistance in the implementation and
evaluation phases.
Simple problems—> internal
Complex problems —> external
Ethics in business research refers to a code of conduct or expected societal norms of behavior,
while conducting research. Ethical conduct applies to the organization and the members that
sponsor the research, the researches who undertake the research and the respondents who
provide them with the necessary data.
2. The scientific approach and alternative approaches to
investigation
Scientific investigation tends to be more objective than subjective and helps managers to
highlight the most critical factors at the workplace that need specific attention so as to avoid,
minimize or solve problems. The term scientific research applies to both basic and applied
research.
The hallmarks or main distinguishing characteristics of scientific research may be listed as follows:
1) Purposiveness
2) Rigor (=strictness)
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