Ethical Issues in Research

Most researchers agree that research investigation in the social sciences is most often associated with collecting and gathering data from human beings (Oliver, 2010). Almost inevitably, some concerns are raised over the manner in which participants selected for a research should be treated and acknowledged by researchers. Such concerns are most

often ethical in nature. As a result, the social sciences research community is increasingly becoming more sophisticated over the past few years in the way it considers such ethical issues as the ethical dimension of planning and implementing research outcomes appears to be gaining ground (Oliver, 2010).

‘Ethics’ could simply be defined as the principles or actual moral values that basically form the basis of a code of conduct (Collis & Hussey, 2014). Ethical issues usually arise at various stages of business management research (Bryman & Bell, 2014). Researchers must endeavour to carefully take into account all possible research values in order not to comprise the findings of the research (Saunders et al., 2012). In this section, great focus shall be given the research ethics, which is primarily concerned with the actual manner in which the research under investigation is conducted and how findings or the results will be reported.

Bryman & Bell (2014) further argue that there is no basis to ignore or disregard research ethics on any grounds since they directly relate to the integrity of any piece of research inquiry and the disciplines involved. Blaike (2013) in agreement adds that research ethics clearly depicts the moral integrity of the researcher, being a very important factor of ensuring that the research process, as well as its findings is all trustworthy and valid.

5.14.1 Ethical considerations during this research

Simply put, in all research investigation involving the collection of data from human beings, there is a fundamental moral requirement to treat those people in accord with standards and values which affirm their essential humanity (Collis & Hussey, 2014). This research context is really no different in this respect from any other context in which human interaction takes place. The following would systematically show how various research ethics for this research were observed.

5.14.1.1 The ethics of recording data

There is arguably the closest form of interaction between the respondents and the researcher during the data collection phase of the research investigation (Collis & Hussey, 2014). Ethical issues are generated during such situations. Most of these ethical issues could be predicted, while others arise spontaneously during the process of data collection

and gathering (Oliver, 2015). One of such issues, which could arise spontaneously, is recording data and this normally raises significant ethical issues (Oliver, 2015).

In recent times, the structured or the semi-structured interviews conducted by most researchers are tape-recorded. Videotaping could sometimes be used to during this process, and most often possess an added advantage to be able to record physical gestures and expressions of the interviewee. Somehow most investigation of this kind, however, makes use of some form of simple audio-taping. Note taking during this time cannot ensure the same degree of accuracy of recording the actual words spoken by the interviewee.

The first ethical issue about recording data that was observed is the informed consent of the selected participants that was obtained. The researcher during this period explained to the participants the actual reason to tape record the interview process, the actual way in which the recordings would be used, the way in which the tape would be stored, and the procedure for destruction of the tapes when all the data have been successfully transcribed. Then also, participants were informed about the particular way in which they will be identified on the tape.

It is highly acknowledged, that sometimes the use of tape recorder during interview process of the research may be very intimidating and some participants may feel very worried about very sensitive information they may wish to provide. During this time, the researcher placed the tape or disc recorder within the reach of the interviewee, and explained to them before the start of the interview that they had to use the pause button at any time. In other words, the participants selected for the interview were given absolute control over the recording process. During this stage, the interviewees were advised that at any particular point in time they could press the pause button in order to have time to reflect. They will also be able to stop the recording during the session if they so wish. Lastly, the researcher under this investigation provided the opportunity to play back the tape at the end of the interview for the interviewee to listen. If at any point in time the interviewee feels that some of what they have said does not reflect their real feelings, or is not expressed as accurately as they would like, they could amplify this with further

discussion. They can either add to the tape recording to try to explain their views more clearly, or select some words and sentences that should be deleted from the recording.

5.14.1.2 The rights of respondents to end involvement in the research

Arguably, it is part of the principle of freedom and autonomy inherent in taking part of research study that participants should feel to withdraw at any time (Oliver, 2010). Under this researcher investigation, participants would have to give their informed consents; however, they cannot necessarily be expected to anticipate their feelings about participation. This means that the participants cannot fully anticipate that they will find the experience during the research very stressful or enjoyable, hence, each selected participants was given the autonomy and freedom to end and withdraw from the research at any time he or she wishes. During the start, participants were given the Information sheets (See Appendix D) and consent form (See Appendix E) to read and give their consent respectively. Participants were reassured that they can withdraw from the research at any point in time should they find the experience very awful. Participants had no penalties for not continuing and were not also brought under pressure to continue in the research process.

5.14.1.3 The disclosure by respondents of sensitive information (Privacy, anonymity and confidentiality

During the collecting of data, participants resulted in discussing or sharing sensitive information with the researcher. The cornerstone of this research is that participants were offered the opportunity to have their identity hidden in the research report. However, there were cases where selected participants preferred that their identity be given in this research investigation because of the advantages in the associated publicity. This was only considered when participants gave their consent to such course. This means that under this research investigation, any participant who wished to remain ‘anonymous’ was allowed. This was the greatest assurance the researcher gave to the participants that they would not be named in the research findings. This allowed each participant to respond to each question from his or her perfect point of view.

Furthermore, protecting ‘confidentiality and privacy’ of information given by the respondents is one of the biggest ethical issues that was observed. The researcher under

this investigation did not under any circumstance disclose any information given by the respondents to the general public, unless otherwise given consents to do so by each selected participants. Sensitive information that was obtained solely for this research investigation was protected to allow for the participant’s privacy rights to be duly protected. Additionally, there was explicit statement about people who will have access to the data provided by the respondents, it was clear about the people who will be able to read and scrutinize the data provided.

The participants were informed about the plans to retain the data, and providing access to other researchers during the period. Additionally, the findings or the outcome of this research investigation was preserved for the sole purpose of academic research. On the grounds that the findings of this study would be publicized, respondent’s views were sought to avoid ‘misuse of findings’. It is also important to note that, prior to this research investigation the researcher has completed all requirements in relation to ethical approval for the PhD study as required the University of Salford.