Chapter 1.1-1.3 Research

What is the main aim of Research Methods for Business Students?

To guide students through the research process — from forming a topic to presenting findings — enabling informed methodological choices and academic rigor.

What should students be able to do after reading Chapter 1?

Define research, outline business research features, describe the research process, understand reflective diaries, and begin documenting their own reflections.

How is research defined?

A systematic process undertaken with a clear purpose to find things out using logical relationships and critical interpretation.

Why are these phrases central to defining research?

Because research requires structured, logical methods and clear objectives aimed at discovering or explaining phenomena.

According to Walliman (2020), what activities are not real research?

• Collecting facts with no purpose

• Reordering facts without interpretation

• Irrelevant activities

• Marketing claims using “research” for credibility

What are the three characteristics of genuine research?

• Clearly stated purpose

• Systematic data collection

• Systematic data interpretation

What does the Post-it® story illustrate about research?

Research often leads to unexpected discoveries and delayed applications; persistence and open discussion can transform failed experiments into success.

What’s the difference between method and methodology?

• Method: specific tools/techniques for data collection or analysis

• Methodology: theoretical framework explaining how research should be done

What is business and management research?

Systematic inquiry to find out things about business and management that contribute both to theory and to practice.

What does “transdisciplinary” mean in management research?

It draws from multiple fields (e.g., sociology, economics, psychology) to generate insights beyond the scope of any single discipline.

Why must management research be relevant?

It should inform both theory and practice, producing knowledge that managers find useful and applicable.

What is meant by rigour in research?

Theoretical and methodological quality ensuring that findings are credible, valid, and well-grounded in evidence.

What are the four types of research based on rigour and relevance?

• Pedantic science – high rigour, low relevance

• Popularist science – low rigour, high relevance

• Puerile science – low rigour, low relevance

• Pragmatic science – high rigour, high relevance ✅

What are Mode 1, 2, 3 (and 0) knowledge?

• Mode 1: Academic, theory-driven, little practical focus

• Mode 2: Practice-driven, collaborative, applied relevance

• Mode 0: Power/patronage-based (e.g., sponsored research)

• Mode 3: Societally beneficial, human-centred knowledge creation

What is the “relevance gap”?

The divide between academic research and managerial practice — where findings fail to reach or help practitioners.

What is evidence-based management (Rousseau 2006)?

Applying the best available research evidence to solve managerial problems instead of relying solely on experience.

What is meant by “management as a design science”?

Research should generate valid, actionable knowledge to support problem-solving in organizations.

Research should generate valid, actionable knowledge to support problem-solving in organizations.

• Researchers: focus on theory, explanation, publications

• Practitioners: seek actionable, timely solutions to practical problems

What is cRRBM’s goal?

To promote research that is credible (rigorous) and relevant (useful to society), fostering science for the common good.

Name key principles of responsible research.

• Service to society 🌍

• Value both basic & applied contributions

• Encourage plurality & multidisciplinarity

• Sound methodology

• Stakeholder involvement

• Measurable impact on stakeholders

• Broad dissemination of knowledge

What distinguishes basic from applied research?

• Basic: expands theoretical understanding; academic focus

• Applied: solves specific practical problems; immediate managerial use

What are the characteristics of basic research?

Conducted mainly by academics; aims for universal principles; long-term impact on theory.

What are the characteristics of applied research?

Conducted across sectors; solves specific organizational issues; emphasizes timeliness and relevance.

How are basic and applied research linked?

They form a continuum — all research contributes to both theory and practice in varying degrees.

Why is a reflective diary important in research?

It helps track decisions, learning, and changes in understanding throughout the research process — supporting critical self-evaluation.

Why does the Post-it® case demonstrate real research?

It shows that discovery often happens through persistence, curiosity, and sharing ideas — key research behaviors.

How can a management researcher bridge the relevance gap?

Engage practitioners early, co-create questions, ensure findings are actionable, and publish accessibly.

What makes “pragmatic science” ideal in management studies?

It balances rigour and relevance — credible, evidence-based research that practitioners can use.

How can responsible research (cRRBM) improve society?

By generating trustworthy knowledge that benefits organizations and addresses global issues like sustainability and ethics.

Why is reflection considered a research skill?

Reflective thinking enhances understanding of choices, assumptions, and bias — leading to more credible research outcomes.