• Home
• Articles
• Essays
• Add site

Human Resource Management: Research Methods

Although there is no official meaning of the term "Research", the process of gathering, analyzing and interpreting information can be termed as …. Research.

A problem or question is put forth, which is analyzed using various methods to arrive at a decision which helps the company formulate future policies. Research is generally conducted by professionals on behalf of their clients.


The following is the research process:

• Selection of the Research Topic – The first step is to select the research topic. The problem is either to do with time management, cash management, product placement within the market or social problems.

• Determining Research Methodology – The research methodology that needs to be adopted is the next procedure. This could include surveys, interviews, group discussions, field research or internet research. The selection of which research approach is appropriate depends on the topic of research.

• Conducting the Research – This process involves collection of data from the market. The data collected can be primary or secondary in nature. Primary data is the data you get from your own efforts or by hiring professional services to collect the data for you. Secondary data is, information gathered by someone and is relevant to your business.

• Preparing Bar Diagrams / Graphs and Statistical Data based on findings – The next stage is putting the collected data together and preparing bar diagrams, graphs and statistical representations in order to easily interpret findings.

• Analyzing the findings – The diagrams and representations are analyzed using Hypothetical Analysis method, Standard Deduction method or other methods that are appropriate so that the final report can be prepared.

• Preparing the final report – A report is prepared on basis of the analysis. This report states all the findings and conclusions based on the research. The report enables the organization to make future decisions or implement corrective measures.


Research Methods

There are two methods which are applied while researching, namely Qualitative Method and Quantitative Method.

Qualitative Method of Research – This method of research is applied taking into consideration the topic of research. This topic is put forward to focus groups who discuss the various options and chose an answer based on their discussions. Qualitative method of research also involves conducting interviews of small groups with the question and taking their suggestions.

Quantitative Method of Research – Quantitative research is an inquiry into an identified problem, based on testing a theory measured with numbers, and analyzed using statistical techniques. Quantitative method of research actually supports the findings of qualitative research. Quantitative method of research is one where the project manager applies statistical methods and derives an answer based on the methods. These results are either to do with cash management or time management. The findings based on quantitative methods of research are the result of analysis of data collected using qualitative methods.


Some of the commonly applied methods of research are:

1. Statistical Analysis – Based on data collected from samples, which is converted into statistical format by the managers.

2. Appreciative Inquiry – Based on group discussions, previous policies are reviewed and opinions are gathered on what worked best. Based on the opinions, decisions on future policies relating to time management and cash management are taken. Visioning what the organization would want for the future and taking steps to move towards those goals.

3. Case study designs – A case resembling the topic of research is picked up and an analysis is prepared based on the case.

4. Surveys – This method of research is an interpersonal method where a survey involving questions about the product or company are put forth to a target audience and their opinions recorded. A survey can be conducted on telephone, the internet or in person.
Results based on a systematic research process enable the organization to formulate future policies and apply corrective measures in order to increase sales, allocate resources or take the right decisions pertaining to cash and time management as required thus proving to be an essential process for better management.

Posted by: Jeffrey J. Thomson

Best Custom Writing Sites

Sites that provide custom writing services are better alternative to downloading pre-written paper samples, especially if you temporarily can't handle writing your own paper for some reason, and can not afford risking your course and reputation for plagiarism detection failure. The prices for custom written essays are affordable, but if you need 15-pages long master level report overnight, you better prepare to spend a noticeable sum.