Summary Business Research Methods · Part 1: The research process
Chapter 2
Business research
strategies
An illustrated, easy-to-read summary in English: theory, philosophy,
paradigms and research strategy, with diagrams and real examples.
A research strategy is the overall approach of a project: the philosophical
assumptions behind it, the role of theory, the research questions and the
methods used to answer them.
In this summary
1 What is a research strategy? p. 2
2 Theory: deduction, induction & abduction p. 3
3 Ontology: what is reality? p. 8
4 Epistemology: how can we know it? p. 10
5 Research paradigms p. 12
6 Quantitative, qualitative & mixed p. 13
7 Values, practicalities & key points p. 14
1 Business Research Methods · Chapter 2 — Summary
, Part 1 What is a research strategy?
What is a research strategy?
Your research strategy is the overall approach of your project. It includes the philosophical
assumptions behind your design, your research questions and the methods you use to
answer them.
What influences business research? (based on Figure 2.2)
Theory
Epistemology Research
Ontology
how can we know strategy Research design
what is reality?
it? quant / qual
Practical
Values
considerations
Your view of reality (ontology) shapes how you think you can know it (epistemology), which shapes your strategy
and design. Theory, your values and practical limits also pull on your choices.
Methods are not neutral tools. Each method is linked to a view of how organizational reality
!
should be studied, so choosing a method also means choosing a view of the world.
Where does research come from?
1 A problem 2 An opportunity 3 Your own life
A pressing organizational issue, The NASA Challenger disaster Bryman studied Disney theme
e.g. the effect of a merger on (1986) led to research on the parks after a 1991 visit; Bell
corporate culture, or of new decision-making and group studied a quality initiative she
technology on motivation. dynamics behind the launch. had worked on in an NHS
hospital.
Whatever the trigger, data only become meaningful and add to knowledge when they are linked to theory.
That is why the relationship between theory and research comes first in this chapter.
2 Business Research Methods · Chapter 2 — Summary
Chapter 2
Business research
strategies
An illustrated, easy-to-read summary in English: theory, philosophy,
paradigms and research strategy, with diagrams and real examples.
A research strategy is the overall approach of a project: the philosophical
assumptions behind it, the role of theory, the research questions and the
methods used to answer them.
In this summary
1 What is a research strategy? p. 2
2 Theory: deduction, induction & abduction p. 3
3 Ontology: what is reality? p. 8
4 Epistemology: how can we know it? p. 10
5 Research paradigms p. 12
6 Quantitative, qualitative & mixed p. 13
7 Values, practicalities & key points p. 14
1 Business Research Methods · Chapter 2 — Summary
, Part 1 What is a research strategy?
What is a research strategy?
Your research strategy is the overall approach of your project. It includes the philosophical
assumptions behind your design, your research questions and the methods you use to
answer them.
What influences business research? (based on Figure 2.2)
Theory
Epistemology Research
Ontology
how can we know strategy Research design
what is reality?
it? quant / qual
Practical
Values
considerations
Your view of reality (ontology) shapes how you think you can know it (epistemology), which shapes your strategy
and design. Theory, your values and practical limits also pull on your choices.
Methods are not neutral tools. Each method is linked to a view of how organizational reality
!
should be studied, so choosing a method also means choosing a view of the world.
Where does research come from?
1 A problem 2 An opportunity 3 Your own life
A pressing organizational issue, The NASA Challenger disaster Bryman studied Disney theme
e.g. the effect of a merger on (1986) led to research on the parks after a 1991 visit; Bell
corporate culture, or of new decision-making and group studied a quality initiative she
technology on motivation. dynamics behind the launch. had worked on in an NHS
hospital.
Whatever the trigger, data only become meaningful and add to knowledge when they are linked to theory.
That is why the relationship between theory and research comes first in this chapter.
2 Business Research Methods · Chapter 2 — Summary
