Research methods for business and management Case Study

Research methods for business and management - Case Study Example This can be done most effectively by examining the literature on the research topic and assessing how the data was collected for that body of research as well as the way in which the data was analyzed. Based on an examination of the literature, the researcher then determines the nature of the data to be collected as well as the most appropriate method for its analysis. Additionally, the researcher should be aware that quantitative methods prove to offer the highest level of scientific evidence in that depending on the research design it can determine causation, correlation and make inferences. These qualities are absent in quantitative research. Other considerations include the fact that unlike quantitative research methods qualitative methods are inductive in nature, extremely subjective, process oriented and explanatory. These qualities prove to be more anthropological than scientific (orientated toward natural science) in nature. In business and management, however, qualitative me thods may prove to be very effective in that it can arrive at an understanding of the way in which individuals behave through a description. Essentially, the utility of qualitative or quantitative methods are highly dependent on the research question/hypothesis as well the data being collected (Holden & Lynch, 2004). 2. What are the ethical issues that you believe to be most prominent in consideration of this piece of research Discuss the issues involved in the data collection, and the need for confidentiality and sensitivity. The investigation into the perception of the managers in Mauritius with regards to dividends is no different than any other body of research utilizing human subjects. In conducting this body of research as well as any other research involving human subjects, there are precautionary measures that may be undertaken. These measures take the current ethical framework for protecting subjects and are delineated in the principles of autonomy, beneficence, and justice. First, the principle of autonomy speaks directly to the requirement of research subjects to be treated as independent individuals. In so doing, they are free to decide whether or not they wish to participate in the research study and are free to drop out of the study at any point in time. Secondly, the principle of beneficence speaks directly to the notion that the researcher is obligated to maximize the benefits of the research while minimizing the potential of harm to the research subjects. If the benefits outweigh the risks , it is ethical to proceed with the body of research. If the risks to the subjects outweigh the benefits then it would be unethical to proceed with the body of research. Finally the principle of justice involves the equitable distribution of the burdens and benefits associated with conducting the body of research whereby certain individuals or group of individuals do not bear disproportionate risks while others bear disproportionate benefits. 3. Critically evaluate the relevance of the following research designs for this study and from this evaluation draw conclusions on