Introduction
Research method in any research is intended to provide detailed information on how the investigation of the research questions was conducted in order to realize the research objectives of the study. Research method includes data gathering techniques, data instrumentation, data compilation, and data analysis among other facets that will guarantee collection of relevant, objective and accurate facts by the researchers. There are two broad categories of research methods; qualitative and quantitative research methods. This paper seeks to contrast research methods in institutional studies that used the two techniques.To this end, this study analysed two studies; Development and The Bottom Line: Further Empirical Evidence By Eric Flamholtz and Hau, and Organizational Memory and Merging: Organizational Development and Social Work Practise to Mentor Organizational to Stability and Sustainability by Ted Busch et al which was qualitative.
The study by Eric Flamholtz and Hua sought to determine whether the success of any firm in the American manufacturing industry in managing the six main tasks of the OD pyramid framework have any relationship with the financial success of the company. The researchers also sought to determine the nature of the relationship and its magnitude if any. The second study which was conducted by Ted Busch et al sought to determine whether organizational development and social work practise are integral in ensuring organizational stability and sustainability.
Research Design
The study Eric Flamholtz and Hua, which was quantitative, used an experimental research design. The researchers trained senior management personnel of the selected companies in the American Manufacturing industry on the six main OD pyramid framework. The senior management personnel in this case included the CEO, Senior Vice President, and HR manager among others. The senior management personnel were then required to evaluate the extent of strategic OD for the six variables in each business division using the 5-point Likert scale. Obtained results were then used to create a mean pyramid OD score ranging from 1.83 to 4.08. The mean pyramid OD score was used as a measure of strategic organizational development. Financial performance of the sampled firms was measured using the Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) of each business unit. EBIT was considered the best measure of financial performance because it overcomes the distortionary effects of tax. It is important to appreciate that companies use various strategies to minimize their tax burden thus increasing their earnings after tax. Therefore, similar companies may be subjected to different tax rates. Measurements of the mean pyramid OD score ranging and EBIT were obtained before the training and one year after the training. Experimental design was appropriate because it is the only research design that can be used in assessing cause-effect relationships between variables. In addition, an experimental research allowed the researchers to gather data on both pre and post-treatment. Without experimentation, the research would be one-dimensional with a few variables hence the results may not be conclusive enough.
The study by Ted Busch et al, which was qualitative, used a phenomenological research design. The researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of selected organizations by interviewing their Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The CEOs were asked their perception on whether organizational development and social work practice is integral in ensuring organizational stability and sustainability basing on their own experience. A phenomenological research design was appropriate for this research since it allowed the research participants to share their personal experiences and perceptions on the study subject in an unrestricted and exploratory manner. Phenomenological research design is effective research tool when researchers seek to bring to the fore the people’s analysis of a subject from their perspective and experience, therefore, challenging structural and normative assumptions. Therefore, phenomenological design allowed the researcher to avoid predicting expected results since it was purely based on the selected CEOs perceptions in shaping the conclusion hence avoiding the researcher’s bias.
Target Population
The target population in any study is a group of objects or individuals with a common characteristic that the researcher is interested in. Research is generally conducted to benefit the target population. In the study by Flamholtz and Hua, the target population was mid-sized firms in the manufacturing industry in America. In the study by Ted Busch et al, the target population was not described. However, reading the research provides a pointer to the target population. The study was conducted in the US implying that the researchers target population was any organization in the US. The researchers in interested in the organizations CEOs implying that were for-organizations. Therefore, the target population was for-profit organizations in the US.
Sampling Technique and Sample Size
A sample refers to a section of the target population. To constitute a sample, the study by Eric Flamholtz and Hua used random sampling to select 10 organizations. Simple random sampling was suitable because it eliminated the possibility of biasness in sample selection, increased objectivity of the study results, increased both the internal and external validity of the study and accorded the study more scientific feature. The small sample could have been informed by time and financial constraints. A small sample will not enable researchers to cut on costs but also save on time considering that an experimental research design was used in this research. In the second study by Ted Busch et al stratified sampling was used in selecting the research participants. Two CEOs were selected from 14 industries creating a sample of 28 participants. Stratified sampling was appropriate in obtaining a representative sample from the 14 industries. The sample was larger than the other research. Although, this study must have been more expensive and time consuming more comprehensive data was obtained.
Data Type and Source
In both studies, primary data was employed. In the study by Eric Flamholtz and Hua research participants were required to evaluate the extent of strategic OD for the six variables in each business division using the 5-point Likert scale. Obtained results were then used to create a mean pyramid OD score ranging from 1.83 to 4.08. Financial performance was measured using the Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) of each business unit in all the sampled organizations. In the study by Ted Busch et al, the researchers used open-ended questions in a personal semi-structured telephone interview as the source of data on the experience and perceptions of CEOs on the subject of interest.
Data Collection and Recording
Data collection is important in both qualitative and quantitative methods. In the study conducted by Eric Flamholtz and Hua the study participants were required to record the data on their evaluation of the extent of strategic OD for the six variables and the EBIT of each business unit. In the study by Ted Busch et al, data relevant to the study was collected and recorded using tape recordings. Tape recording was appropriate because the researchers in the study collected a large volume of detailed data within a limited time-frame of a telephone interview.
Data Analysis
In the study by Eric Flamholtz and Hua, regression analysis was used. The mean pyramid OD score was regressed against EBIT of each firm. Regression analysis was appropriate in determining whether there is any relationship between strategic organizational development and financial performance. Regression analysis was also important in determining whether the relationship is positive or negative and the magnitude of the relationship. However, regression analysis only shows effect but does not show causation. In the study by Ted Busch et al, description of what was experienced by the CEOs experiences and perceptions were summarized and similar views were grouped together. A general description of the meaning of the experiences and perceptions was constructed. Composite as well as individual descriptions were written to indicate how those experiences and views that were obtained fit with the meaning that was derived. This method was appropriate because only qualitative data was obtained during the study and the interview questions were open-ending hence coding was not possible.
Conclusion
It is evident that research method in any research is important because it provides detailed information on how the research was conducted in order to answer the research questions. Qualitative and quantitative are different on several aspects. However, there some aspects that are similar while others aspects do not depend on whether the type of research. All in all, it is important for a researcher to choose a research method that will appropriately answer the research questions.
References
Babbie, E. R. (2010). The Practice of Social Research (12 ed.). New York: Cengage Learning.
Busch, T. H., Hopkins, K., Hyde, C. A., Cohen-Callow, A., Fisher, E., & Miller, S. (2005). Development And The Bottom Line: Further Empirical Evidence. Proffessional Development: The International Journal of Continuing Social Work Education, 20(3), 40-55.
Flamholtz, E., & Hua, W. (2012). Development And The Bottom Line: Further Empirical Evidence. European Management Journal, 20, 72-81.
Sutton, C. D., & David, M. (2010). Social Research: The Basics (revised ed.). New York: SAGE.
