Research philosophy 62

The research philosophy of any research study is based on the key assumptions made about how reality is viewed (Ménacère, 2016). The assumptions is based on how the researcher views the world; therefore the assumptions influences the direction of the research project (Saunders, 2015). The key assumptions shape the research methods chosen as part of the research methodology.

The researcher needs to develop the skill of reflexivity, understanding their beliefs and assumptions, with the same diligence to examine the belief of others (Saunder, 2015).

As indicated in the research methodology, the worldly views of the researcher shapes the perception of the research in the following areas which Morgan and Smircich (1980) described:

• Ontology - what is knowledge (nature of reality). This will determine what researcher focus on, how the researcher perceives and approaches the research objectives.

• Epistemology - how do we know what is known (the acceptable knowledge in the field of study). This will determine the researcher further contribution to knowledge from their research.

• Axiology - what researcher values go into it (Values). The researcher examines their our own values and the research participants values in shaping the research study.

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The researcher must decide whether social entities exist external to the social world, social entities are socially constructed through perceptions and actions, or somewhere in between. These assumptions shape how the researcher see the world. The following figure demonstrates the continuum between objectivism and subjectivism.

Figure 3-3: Ontological Assumption Spectrum (Morgan and Smircich, 1980)

Objectivism assumes social entities exist in reality external to the social actors; subjectivism assumes social entities are created from perceptions and actions of social actors (Saunders, 2009). Objectivism and subjectism are the endpoints of ontological continuum assumptions. Definition of reality changes with a combination of objectivism and subjectism from process to symbols to social construction. The ontological assumption used in this PhD study is subjectivism. The PhD study collects the subjective views of Project Managers and Community Leaders towards the use of community empowerment in disaster recovery projects.

3.3.2. Epistemological assumption

Epistemology involves an analysis of the pre-existing reality of the social world compared to how people invent the reality of the social world. Saunders (2009). Epistemology concerns the researcher’s assumptions about knowledge, what constitutes acceptable, valid and legitimate knowledge, and how we can communicate

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knowledge to others (Burrell and Morgan 1979). Collis and Hussey (2009) define the extremes of epistemology as positivism and interpretivism; but Easterby-Smith (2012) use positivism and social constructivism. The meanings are the same. The following figure shows a continuum from positivism (pre-existing reality) to interpretivism (how people invent reality).

Figure 3-4: Epistemological Spectrum (Morgan and Smircich, 1980)

Positivism is where the social world exists externally, and can only measured through

Table 3-1: Philosophical assumptions of research (Remenyi, 1998)

Positivism Interpretivism

The observer Must be independent Is part of what is being observed

Human Interest Should be irrelevant Are the main drivers of science

Explanations Must demonstrate causality Aim to increase general understanding of the situation

Research progress through Hypotheses and deduction Gathering rich data from which ideas are induced

Concepts Need to be defined so that they can be measured

Should incorporate stakeholder perspectives

Unit of Analysis Should be reduced to the simplest terms

May include the complexity of ‘whole situation’

Generalisation Through Statistical probability Theoretical abstraction Sampling requires Large numbers selected

randomly

Small number of cases chosen for specific reasons

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objective methods as shown in Table 3-1. The researcher is independent from that being researched (Collis and Hussey, 2009); therefore the methods in natural sciences is applied to social sciences (Denscombe, 2014; Bryman and Bell, 2011). Interpretivism is determined by people factors (Easterby-Smith, 2012) as shown in the above Table 3-1. The epistemological assumption used in this PhD study is interpretivism. The PhD study collects the interpretations of Project Managers and Community Leaders towards the use of community empowerment in disaster recovery projects in best how to work with the community members.

3.3.3. Axiological assumption

Axiological assumption studies judgements about the researcher values (Saunders, 2009; Collis and Hussey, 2009) as shown in the following figure 3-5. The assumuptions questions how the researcher deal with our own values and those of the research participants.

The researcher values ranges from value-free or value-laden. Collis and Hussey (2009) states the value-free assumptions are commonly found in natural science studies, but social sciences concerns the activities and behavior of people (value laden).

Figure 3-5: Axiological Assumption Spectrum (Morgan and Smircich, 1980)

The axiological assumption used in this PhD study is value-laden. The researcher values system can impact the PhD study on how professionals, community leaders and

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community members can work together in a win-win relationship to rebuild the community and the community can share in controlling their destiny. The researcher has to be very conscious of their values which may shape how Project Managers and Community Leaders respond in the interview.

The following table 3-2 presents a concise summary of Ontology, Epistemology, and Axiology Assumptions; ontology (what is the nature of reality), epistemology (how can we know what we know) and axiology (how should we treat our own value when we do research). Within each assumption, the objectivism/subjectivism continuum is explained in detail, such as external social constructed for ontology. Objectivism is based on the natural sciences versus subjectivism in which the reality is socially constructed with multiple realities.

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In summary, management, business and social research consist of five main philosophies: positivism, critical realism, interpretivism, postmodernism and pragmatism.

 Positivism relates to the natural scientist. The researcher works with

observable social reality and generalisations are similar to the physical and natural sciences.

 Critical realism focuses on what is seen and experienced based on

underlying structures of reality. Critical realists use historical analyses of society and organizations.

 Interpretivism is a subjectivist philosophy; people create multiple realities.

Interpretivists focus on researching people's experiences and culture, as well the researcher's interpretations.

 Postmodernism focus on language and power relations. Postmodernists

reveal worldviews that have been marginalised by dominant players with the area of study.

 Pragmatist focus on improving practice. Pragmatists use a wide range of research strategies, which is shaped by the research problems.