Question
Sometimes research can sound like an entirely different language, so take some time to reflect on what you read regarding how to explore research within organizations. Methods and strategies to lead research and change in organizations.
Conducting research in organizations in order to lead improvements or interventions requires a collaborative, thoughtful approach. (Readings this week, Brewerton (2001))
Write a response to the following:
What did you find interesting and useful about the readings for this week?
How do you anticipate engaging in research?
What continues to confuse you about research and how to execute it?
Solution
Research Reflection Paper
What did you find interesting and useful about the readings for this week?
In relation to our readings, research has been presented as an area of applied sciences which involves great levels of professionalism. As a result, many students are not confident enough to venture into the field since they perceive research as time consuming process. They also believe that research should be done by individuals who are more scholarly inclined, thus end up distancing themselves from research approaches. On the other hand, social sciences practitioners portray great levels of qualification in their discipline (Brewerton & Millward, 2001). They remain passionate of their discipline as a result of their exposure to real life situations. Furthermore, these practitioners are keen in handling live organizational matters through the application of various research methods. Nevertheless, research as a fundamental part of professional accountability involves various types of demonstrations, such demonstrations create a better understanding on the importance of research to students.
Organizational research is a component of theoretical, and practical illustrations that play a major role in real life applications. It involves a range of plans with time as the main element particularly at the initial stage. In addition, all activities planning and design is done under the guidance of a supervisor and all literature, proposals or notes done during the project are reviewed by the supervisor. Discussions are allowed in conducting research since they eliminate feelings of segregation. Despite the varying views by students, data choice and organizational research design remains an important field of creativity (Buchanan & Bryman, 2007). Therefore, research plays a fundamental role in the application of social sciences and thus, all social science learners must observe competency in this field.
How do you anticipate engaging in research?
Detailed preparation is required for any researcher to conduct quality study. This involves the application of both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Both theoretical and methodological principles guide researcher’s approach towards the achievement of best value in any aspect of change. These principles encourage involvement and full participation in the research process. A researcher should have a clear understanding of the basis under which choices on research methods occur. Support methods such as reporting various factors that affect research activities are essential in conducting research processes (Monaci, 2003). Apart from the knowledge and technical skills of the researcher, factors such as creativity, biases, personal interests, preferences, and prejudices should also be put into consideration. In relation to the above analysis, my knowledge and experience in research activities has been enhanced thus enabling me to outline all objective advantages. It also includes recent improvement in research areas such as qualitative and action reports suggesting that researcher’s model should exhibit validity within the organizational and academic settings.
What continues to confuse you about research and how to execute it?
Matching research design to the question of concern remains the most ambiguous part of research study to me. Sometimes more than one design approaches are applied in addressing one research question resulting in great confusion. Consequently, one has to think critically about the merits and demerits of each design while taking into consideration various constraints affecting research activity in terms of resources and time (Brewerton & Millward, 2001). However, a single approach method may be considered most appropriate. In most cases, researchers are advised to choose qualitative research in generating quality information that can be used in experimental designs. From the above discussion, we can conclude that research is a fundamental discipline in applied sciences that enhances the experience, knowledge and skills of a learner.
References
Brewerton, P., & Millward, L. (2001). Organizational research methods: A guide for students and researchers. London: SAGE.
Buchanan, D. A., & Bryman, A. (2007). Contextualizing Methods Choice in Organizational Research. Organizational Research Methods , 10 (483), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1177/1094428106295046
Monaci, M. (2003). Organizational research methods: A guide for students and researchers. Management Learning; Thousand Oaks , 34 (2), 266-271.