Chapter 1-3

Question 1

Evidence-based management

Answer 1

The systematic use of the best available evidence to improve management practice

Question 2

Four sources of information that contribute to evidence-based management (Briner, 2009)

Answer 2

1) Practitioner expertise and judgment
2) Evidence from the local context
3) critical evaluation of best research evidence
4) Perspectives of those who may be affected by the decision

Question 3

Gibbons types/categories of knowledge production

Answer 3

Mode 1: Traditional, university-based model, academic agenda driven knowledge production and is built upon existing knowledge.

Mode 2: Trans-disciplinary in research (SBM style). Use of skills and experience of groups outside of academic institution to achieve practical advantage and is context related.

Question 4

Research classifications

Answer 4

Descriptive: understand phenomena by observing
Explanatory: to show a causal relationship
Exploratory: To provide better understanding
Applied: To produce recommendations or solution to a specific group
Business Applied: To produce recommendations for a specific business

Question 5

Grand theories

Answer 5

Multi-domain methods of theories that are limited in use in connection with social research. e.g. Maslow theory

Question 6

Theories of the middle range (Merton, 1967)

Answer 6

Theories that operate in limited domains and vary in purpose or application. It represents attempts to understand and explain limited aspects of social life.
Ex. Labor process theory

Question 7

Deduction

Answer 7

Theory -> observation/findings with hypothesis

An approach to the relationship between theory and research in which the latter is conducted in reference to the hypothesis.

Question 8

Induction

Answer 8

Observation/findings -> theory

An approach to the relationship between theory and research where the former is generated out of the latter

Question 9

Epistemological orientation

Answer 9

The theory of knowledge. What passes as acceptable knowledge

Question 10

Objectivism

Answer 10

(Role descriptions)

Social phenomena and their meanings have an existence that is independent of social actors (independent of people)

Question 11

Positivism

Answer 11

The study of social reality.

Predict how people behave in a particular context

Question 12

Ontological orientation

Answer 12

(Pre-given roles)

Theory of the nature of social entities

Question 13

Ontology

Answer 13

Nature of being/ reality or an external reality.

The study of things outside ourselves, an external reality.

Question 14

Constructionism

Answer 14

(How we personalize the role)

Assert that social phenomena and their meanings are continually being accomplished by social actors

Question 15

Interpretivism

Answer 15

(Gaining insight into perspective/ more understanding)

Subjective meaning of social action (Weber’s Verstehen)

Question 16

Empiricism

Answer 16

Approach to the study of reality that suggests that only knowledge is gained through experience and the senses is viable

Question 17

Functionalist

Answer 17

The dominant framework for the study of organizations. A problem-solving orientation which leads to rational explanation

Question 18

Interpretative

Answer 18

Questions whether organizations exist beyond the conceptions of social actors.

Based on experiences of those who work within them

Question 19

Radical structuralist

Answer 19

Organization as a product of structural power relationships which results in conflict

Question 20

Radical Humanist

Answer 20

Sees organizations as a social arrangement which individuals need to be emancipated and research as guided by the need for change

Question 21

Research design

Answer 21

Framework for every stage of the collection and analysis of data (Blueprint)

Question 22

Research method

Answer 22

Procedure for collecting data

Question 23

Reliability

Answer 23

Are the results of the study repeatable (Are measures consistent)

Question 24

Validity

Answer 24

Are conclusions well founded? Do they really show what they want to show (systematic errors)

Question 25

Quantitative Assessment

Answer 25

1) Measurement validity: measures reflect concepts
2) Internal validity: Are causal relationships between variable real?
3) External validity: can results be generalized beyond the research setting?
4) Ecological validity: are the findings applicable to the natural setting

Question 26

Criteria of social research

Answer 26

1) Reliability
2) Validity
3) Replicability

Question 27

Qualitative assessment

Answer 27

Trustworthiness criteria:
1) Credibility: parallels internal validity: how believable are the findings.
2) Transferability: parallels external validity: do the findings apply to other contexts?
3) Dependability: parallels reliability: are the findings likely to apply at other times?
Confirmability: parallels objectivity: has the investigator allowed his values to intrude to a high degree?

Question 28

Authenticity criteria

Answer 28

1) Fairness: represent different viewpoints among members
2) Ontological authenticity: research helps members arrive at a better understanding of social milieu
3) Educative authenticity: Appreciate better perspectives of members
4) Catalytic authenticity: an impetus to members to engage inaction to change their circumstance
5) Tactical authenticity: empower members to engage action

Question 29

Types of research design

Answer 29

1) Experimental design (dependent/independent or not manipulated/manipulated)
2) Cross-sectional (more cases at given point in time)
3) Longitudinal (same sample over time) through Cohort (each year different students) or Panel study (follow same students)
4) Case study (detailed and intensive analysis)