Guide to Management Research Methods

by van der Velde, Mandy; Jansen, Paul; Anderson, Neil

• ISBN13: 9781405115124
• ISBN10: 1405115122
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-02-13
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Summary

This text shows business students how to conduct reliable research and how to argue the soundness of their research approach. A practical introduction to research methods for business students. Gives students the ability to conduct reliable research on the basis of empirical field data. Takes students through the research process systematically, from the initial definition of a research problem to the final presentation of results. Demonstrates the interrelationships between the different stages in a research project. Helps students to decide which methods are most appropriate. Teaches students to think both critically and creatively about research methods. Includes the most up-to-date methods, including use of the Internet and email. Supported by real-life examples, cases and practical guidelines.

Author Biography

Mandy van der Velde is currently Associate Professor of Human Resources Management at Utrecht School of Governance, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.

Paul Jansen is Professor of Industrial Psychology at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Neil Anderson is Professor of Work and Organizational Psychology, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Table of Contents

Part I Planning the Research Project	1	(92)
1 Introduction	3	(10)
1.1 What is the Nature of Fundamental Organizational Research?	3	(1)
1.2 What Distinguishes Fundamental Organizational Research from Applied Organizational Research?	3	(2)
1.3 Methodological Requirements and Rules of Fundamental Research in General	5	(3)
1.4 Clients	8	(2)
1.5 Other Parties Involved in the Research Project	10	(1)
1.6 Overview of the Steps in the Research Process	11	(2)
2 Problem Orientation	13	(12)
2.1 Introduction	13	(1)
2.2 Establishing the Aim of the Research	14	(2)
2.3 Formulating the Research Question	16	(3)
2.4 Sub-questions	19	(1)
2.5 The Empirical Cycle	20	(5)
3 Literature Research	25	(11)
3.1 Introduction	25	(1)
3.2 Types of Literature	26	(1)
3.3 Literature Search	27	(5)
3.4 Processing the Literature	32	(1)
3.5 References to Literature	33	(3)
4 Research Design and Planning	36	(35)
4.1 Introduction	36	(2)
4.2 Research Model and Variables	38	(3)
4.3 Hypotheses	41	(4)
4.4 Operationalizing	45	(2)
4.5 Measurement Levels	47	(3)
4.6 Reliability and Validity	50	(9)
4.7 Population and Sampling	59	(8)
4.8 Behavioural Rules	67	(2)
4.9 Research Proposal	69	(2)
5 Research Strategies	71	(22)
5.1 Introduction	71	(1)
5.2 Classification Principles	72	(3)
5.3 Main Types of Research Strategies	75	(14)
5.4 Causality	89	(4)
Part II Conducting the Research Project	93	(90)
6 Data Collection Methods	95	(15)
6.1 Introduction	95	(1)
6.2 Archiving Data	96	(3)
6.3 Observation	99	(3)
6.4 Interviews	102	(4)
6.5 Questionnaire	106	(2)
6.6 Multi-method	108	(2)
7 Questionnaires and Interviews	110	(27)
7.1 Introduction	110	(1)
7.2 Questionnaires - General Remarks	111	(10)
7.3 Structure of the Questionnaire	121	(3)
7.4 Interviews - General Remarks	124	(7)
7.5 Pilot Study/Pre-testing	131	(1)
7.6 Making Contact	132	(4)
7.7 Anonymity and Confidentiality	136	(1)
8 Data Analysis	137	(46)
8.1 Introduction	137	(1)
8.2 The Codebook	138	(1)
8.3 Computer Use	139	(1)
8.4 Data Matrix	140	(4)
8.5 Missing Values	144	(2)
8.6 Overview of Statistical Techniques	146	(31)
8.7 Statistical Significance of the Results	177	(6)
Part III Reporting the Research Project	183	(62)
9 The Research Report	185	(20)
9.1 Introduction	185	(1)
9.2 Planning	186	(1)
9.3 Target Group	187	(1)
9.4 Structure of the Research Report	188	(13)
9.5 Writing Style and Layout of the Report	201	(4)
10 Presentation	205	(9)
10.1 Introduction	205	(1)
10.2 Preparing the Presentation	206	(2)
10.3 Structure of the Presentation	208	(1)
10.4 The Presentation: Some Rules of Thumb	209	(1)
10.5 Tools	210	(3)
10.6 The Audience	213	(1)
11 Case Study - The Transpost Case	214	(31)
11.1 Introduction	214	(3)
11.2 Problem Orientation	217	(1)
11.3 Research Model and Variables	218	(3)
11.4 Research Strategy	221	(3)
11.5 Collecting Existing Data	224	(4)
11.6 Practical Implementation	228	(4)
11.7 Data Analysis	232	(9)
11.8 Reporting	241	(1)
11.9 Presentation	242	(3)
Further Reading	245	(2)
Appendix: Checklist for Evaluating Research Reports	247	(2)
Index	249