Organizational Research, Coursework Example

How do the authors of your textbook define research? What are the characteristics of research?

Research is the process of collection, analysis in a systematic manner with an aim of increasing the understanding of an observable fact the researcher is concerned with or interested. The focus of formal research is to enhance our understanding on a certain issue then reporting the findings of the research to a wider group or a scientific community. Research has eight common characteristics, which are distinct from each other and available in all kinds of research. These characteristics include; (a) Research must originate from a question. (b) The research articulates a clear goal. The articulated aim achieved in solving the question should be in an intellectually honest statement. (c) A specified plan is required in order to proceed with research. Research focuses not only on the goal to achieve but on also the way to attain the aimed goals. (d) Research partitions the main problem into small easily manageable problems. (e) A specified research question, problem, or hypothesis guides the research. The research aim should be at the determination of validity of the hypotheses. (f) Acceptance of certain assumptions that are critical is important in research. (g) In attempting to solve the problem that initiated the research it is necessary to collect and interpret data, the nature of research is cyclical and more precisely helical.

In what way is each of the three articles found in Course Documents an example of research? Be specific.

The three articles in the course documents qualify to be research since they contain the characteristics of research. The elements of research are present in the presentation of these course materials. The research in Greenwood et al bases its question on the general values in the work place, which satisfies the characteristic of basing research on the question. Greenwood et al also goes ahead to articulate a clear objective of the research paper. The document encompasses the process of data collection and interpretation of the same by incorporating the findings section it the document. The collection of data evidenced by the enlisting of data tables into the document shows that the document is research based. The main problem in Greenwood et al is sub divided into sub problems, which the document tackles as sub titles. In Netting et al the problem addressed by the paper touches on the roles of volunteers, staff and participants in faith based programs. The document breaks down the main problem into smaller less complex problems that it deals with by the addressing of the same under subheadings. The results section of the paper shows that the paper is research based as it collects data and then interprets it and results in a conclusion. All the course documents have the methodology of the study, which means gives the whole research a direction. The methodology section states how information is collected the method of analysis and the results and provides for a conclusion of the problem or question. The methodology supports that research is cyclical that is it starts from a question and gradually develops into an aimed goal and ends up in a resolution of the problem or question.

Referring to Leedy and Ormrod (chapters 1 and 3), describe the research steps that Netting et al. and Greenwood et al. follow in their articles. Be specific.

The research steps followed in Greenwood et al include the posing of a question or problem, which in this case are the generational values in the working place. The goals of the research according to the problem are the determination of whether there exist significant values between generations. The research further goes ahead to subdivide the problems into small problems addressed as minor titles. The next step Greenwood et al takes is to collect data concerning the problem guided by the hypothesis of the problem. The provision of the hypothesis follows, and then Greenwood et al interprets the data and provides a solution in the findings and discussion section. Netting et al, on the other hand, starts by posing a question on the roles of participants in faith-based programs. The following step is the stating of the aims and goals of the paper. Netting et al then goes ahead to break down the major problem into smaller problems addressed in the sub headings. The paper then goes ahead to provide for the methodology used in the collection of data. The data collected, analyzed, and interpreted, and solutions suggested in the results section of the paper.

According to Leedy and Ormrod, one of the first steps in research is defining the core research problem and sub-problems. What are their critical points relating to problem definition? Why are these points important?

The stating of the research problem in completion and clarity is important in order to facilitate easy understanding of the problem. The achievement of clear statement of the problem is done trough the complete statement of the problem without any sentence fragments. Another point is to think through the problems viability of the aimed project. The problem should be consistent with its implications. The scope of the research area implied by the question should be realistic in order to make the findings realizable. The third step is to explain the meaning of the problem with absolute precision. The precision in terms of the problem is important since they assist the reader understand the problem clearly. It is also essential to note the problem in an open-minded manner in reflection to the anticipated results. The hypothesis in the paper should be clear-cut hypothesis and should not include preconceived conclusions or inferred results. The problem should not contain verbiage that is useless or unnecessary in the context and it should be sharp.

Note how Netting et al., and Greenwood et al., define the problem(s) and the setting in the beginning of their papers. State the problem(s) they are addressing in your own words.

The definition of the problem in Netting et al is that the paper tries to find the manner of management and utilization of human resources in programs that are faith based. This is done trough the examination of the roles and expected roles of various participants in the program. The problem in greenwood et al deals with the problem of intergenerational differences in the value of the workplace with a consideration of convergence and divergence for leadership implications. The paper analyses the discrepancy between the instrumental and terminal values of distinct generations with the view that they have different workplace behavior and attitudes and the necessity of different leads.