Chapter 1

Introduction to Research

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Topics Discussed

■ Definition of Research
■ Types of Research: Applied and Basic Research
■ Why managers should know about Research.
■ Manager-researcher relationship
■ Internal vs External Researchers.
■ Ethics and Business Research.
What is research

■ Research is the process of finding solutions to a problem after a

thorough study and analysis of the situational factors.
■ Managers in organizations constantly engage themselves in
studying and analyzing issues and hence are involved in some
form of research activity as they make decisions at the
workplace.
Definition of Business Research

■ Business research is a systematic and organized effort to

investigate the specific problem occurred in the work setting that
requires timely solution.

■ Business research is composed of series of steps designed and

executed, with the goal of finding answers to the issues that are
of concern to the manager in the work setting.

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Steps of Business Research

■ To know where the problem areas exist in the organization.

■ To identify as clearly and specifically as possible the problems
that need to be studied and resolved.
■ Gather information, analyze the data, and determine the factors
that are associated with the problem and solve it by taking the
necessary corrective measures.
Applied versus Basic Research

■ Basic research: generates a body of knowledge by

trying to comprehend how certain problems that
occur in organizations can be solved.
■ Applied research: solves a current problem faced
by the manager in the work setting, demanding a
timely solution.

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Examples of Basic Research
■ Basic research is an effort to understand and generate more
knowledge about different aspects of businesses. Such as:
■ Investigation of employee behaviors such as performance,
absenteeism.
■ How to improve the effectiveness of information systems.
■ How to increase employee productivity.
■ How to make customer satisfied.
■ How to allocate budget to different SBU’s or departments
■ Improvement in Leadership styles or performance appraisal
systems.

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Examples Applied Research
■ Applied research to improve Telenor hiring process. 
■ Applied research to improve workplace efficiency and
organizational policies.
■ Applied research to bridge skill gaps in the workplace.
■ A study into the way to improve teacher-learner classroom
engagements.
■ Applied research to treat or cure a specific disease.

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Example of applied research

■ Apple’s iPod sales increased by 200% from 2001 to 2008 but the
sales decreased by 6% in 2009. What is the reason for this
decrease?
■ The question is what will Apple do about this problem?
Why managers should know
about research
■ Being knowledgeable about research and research
methods helps professional managers to:
– Identify and effectively solve minor problems in the work
setting.
– Know how to discriminate good research from bad
research.
– Appreciate the multiple influences and effects of factors
impinging on a situation.
– Take calculated risks in decision making.
– Prevent possible vested interests from exercising their
influence in a situation.
– Relate to hired researchers and consultants more
effectively.
– Combine experience with scientific knowledge while
making decisions.

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The Manager–Researcher Relationship
■ Managers with knowledge of research have an advantage over those
which are lacking in that area.
■ By having the increased complexity of modern organizations, and
the uncertainty of the environment they face, the managers have
constant trouble shooting in the work place.
■ Research knowledge can help the manager to identify the problem
before they get out of control.
■ Minor problems can be solved by the manager but for major or
complex problems, outside researchers/consultants needs to be hired
by the manager.
■ Manager who is knowledgeable about research can interact
effectively with external consultants/researcher.

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Internal Researchers Advantages
and disadvantages
■ Advantages:
– Better acceptance from staff
– Knowledge about organization and take less time to
understand the structure, philosophy, climate and work
systems of the organization.
– They would be available for implementing their
recommendations after the research findings are accepted.
– Internal consults cost less as compare to external
consultants.

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Internal Researchers Advantages
and disadvantages Cont..
■ Disadvantages:
■ They might have less fresh ideas and perspectives to
solve the problem.
■ The powerful groups can influence and misrepresent
certain facts.
■ Internal researchers may not perceived as “experts” by
the management so their recommendations do not get
serious attention and consideration for implementation.
■ Organizational biases of the internal research team can
make the findings less objective and scientific.
External Researchers Advantages
and Disadvantages
■ Advantages
– Divergent and convergent thinking
– Experience from several situations in different
organizations
– Better technical and problem solving training
■ Disadvantages
– Takes time to know and understand the organization
structure, climate and procedures.
– Not welcomed by the employees and having lack of
cooperation from the employees.
– Not available for evaluation and implementation
– Cost of hiring them is usually high.

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Ethics and Business Research
■ Ethics refers to a code of conduct of behavior while
conducting research.
■ Ethical conduct applies to the organization, members
that sponsor the research, researchers who undertake
the research and the respondents who provide them
with the necessary data.
■ Ethical conduct should also be reflected in the
behavior of the researchers who conduct the
investigation, the participants who provide the data,
the analysists who provide the results, and the entire
research team that represents the interpretation of the
results and suggest solutions.
Questions ???
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