5.4 Research Design
5.4.1 Research Structure
The research structure has been outlined to summarise the discussions and
considerations the research has taken to date. This can be seen in Table, 5.1 Research Structure. The research structure intends to outline the approach and methods for the whole study; this provides an outline of how the study will be approached. In building on this the research has considered a Design Table, Table 5.2 working through
potential methods, justification and resources needed to respond to the aim and objectives. The earlier discussions within the study have indicated the methods identified within the research design table fit in with the philosophical perspectives and methodology, whilst ensuring the data collected provides a rich data source for analysis.
The methods being proposed for the study include, one to one structured and semi- structured interviews, this will support the development of understanding and discovery which would fit neatly within the objectives of Grounded Theory.
Schwartz’s (1987) structure may provide a useful tool during the analysis processes, however, Rokeach (1972) can also provide a framework for prioritised espoused values within the organization. Interviews which utilise a probing approach, without initially asking directly about particular subjects and themes will allow development and emerging topics to evolve through the research. Schwartz’s (1994) Structure for
Human Values questionnaires utilised a portrait description to identify personal goals, aspirations or wishes which pointed explicitly to the importance of a value within the framework. However, the current research is proposing to approach this through in- depth one to one interviews. With this being an approach, which has not been utilised as often when researching values: supporting the proposal that the current research is adding original contribution to the wider body of knowledge.
Since, the study intends to develop emerging ideas to assist in the development of the research which is very much within the parameters of the inductive approach. The study will analyse the data produced and review the questions and recommend further sampling and research methods as outlined in the Research Design Table, Table 5.2. The initial stage of the research a decision was taken to not formally ask about values directly and more prompt and delve into the organization. Nevertheless, further
development of the research questioning and methods outlined in the Research Design Table, Table 5.2 will be applied and reviewed, which would provide opportunity to delve further into values as the study progresses.
Table 5.1 Research Structure
Research Aim
Through the research activities develop a theoretical framework to support values alignment in
organizational development context. This is to be focused on VCS organizations within the North West of the UK.
Research Questions
2. To Provide new perspective on values alignment and organizational development
o To gain greater understanding of values in leadership and organizational development.
o To develop values framework within the leadership domain to support organizational development.
Philosophical Perspective
Social constructivism’ philosophical perspective - the perspective assists in discovering the underlying assumptions of which group members are often unaware but which usually influence how individuals perceives, think and feel. Constructivists maintain that social reality is not something outside the discourse of science but is partly constituted by science
Research Methodology
Grounded Theory which shares the common philosophy of social constructivism. Grounded Theory supports theory building studies, which is assists the development of ideas through the data collected.
Research Methods
Review of four broad methods
Interviews; One to one open, semi and structured – versatility of method fits in with philosophical perspective and methodology.
Research Design
Following areas discussed to assist in the collection of most appropriate data in order to support the research objectives
Define initial research design including questions.
Appropriate methods for sampling at all levels, within the study and for data collection.
Appropriate analytical techniques to analysis the rich data collected.
Research Setting
Two local small/medium sized third sector organization.
Data Collection Methods
In supporting the spiral approach proposed by the research data collection broken down into several phases utilising the following data collection methods.
One to one semi structured interviews.
Systematic Data Analysis
Systematic data analysis carried out, in completion of each phase of data collection; providing feedback, concepts and ideas to be developed through the experiences of the research.
Content Analysis Patterns & Themes
Developing Ideas
Utilising NVivo data to be coded to capture predominant patterns and themes Models developed around emerging ideas and concepts
Propose and develop ideas which build on theories and organizational development
Concept Development
Follow recommendations of Grounded Theory methodology and spiral approach, reflect on the themes and ideas which have emerged through the research activities. Refine broader research methods to add value to a wider study acknowledging lessons learnt through the study. Review and reflect on theory development and propose recommendations.
Findings and Discussion
Outline proposed findings which provide original contribution and leadership in field. Ensuring discussion links back to literature review and further recommendation in developing the proposed theory.
Table 5.2 Research Design Table
Research Questions Data Sources and Methods Justification Resources Ethical Issues
Could there by links with aligned values and increase organization commitment within the teams?
Formal Organizational Leaders – Interviews Team Representatives – Interviews
Observations
Provides opportunity to develop research area without making any assumptions about what research thinks organizational representative may or may not believe
Self Dictaphone Time
Staff availability N-Vivo
Some of the staff may have known researcher in his role within the sector.
Are values acknowledged by staff within the workplace?
Formal Organizational Leaders – Interviews Team Representatives – Interviews
After initial discussion provide opportunity for staff to reflect on subject area. Self Dictaphone Time Staff availability N-Vivo
People may not wish to share their own values in this instance.
Would there appear any awareness of the organizations values? Formal Organizational Leaders – Interviews Team Representatives – Interviews Transcribed Notes
Organizational values are often in 2 forms rhetoric and hidden
unspoken values, provides opportunity for staff to state what they believe are these values before examining the stated values.
Self Dictaphone Time
Staff availability
Access to internal documents N-Vivo
This may be a sensitive area for the organizations and could raise some conflict between appreciated and stated values?
Would there appear aligned organizational values within teams or across the
organization? Formal Organizational Leaders – Interviews Team Representatives – Interviews Transcribed Notes
Crucial aspect if looking at alignment if team members do not open up will be difficult to answer proposition relating to aligned values and performance.
Self Dictaphone Time
Staff availability N-Vivo
Team members may not wish to share values with colleagues or organization.
Are the values of others formally identified within teams or across the organization? Formal Organizational Leaders – Interviews Team Representatives – Interviews Transcribed Notes
Aligned values have been identified as a critical part of the research, how organizational representative identify values is critical.
Self Dictaphone Time
Staff availability
Access to internal organizational documentation
N-Vivo
This leaves the
assumptions area up for potential criticism values, but this does not solely contribute to
organizational development. This needs further consideration?
Research Questions Data Sources and Methods Justification Resources Ethical Issues
Is values alignment recognised within the organization? Formal Organizational Leaders – Interviews Team Representatives – Interviews Transcribed Notes
Allows the review of what values are the stated and how/if these are associated with individual and group values in the organization
Self Dictaphone Time
Staff availability
Access to internal organizational documentation
N-Vivo
This may be influenced by what team members perceive as values and historic events, which are beyond the scope of the research.
Are leader’s values influenced by the values structures within the organization? Formal Organizational Leaders – Interviews Team Representatives – Interviews Transcribed Notes
Organizations may invest time and resource into values frameworks, investigating potential outcomes of such values frameworks on leaders could provide organizational development area. Self Dictaphone Time Staff availability N-Vivo
Organization may have invested considerable time in values structures and team members within organizations may not wish to talk openly about this area.
Do team leaders promote values alignment within teams? Formal Organizational Leaders – Interviews Team Representatives – Interviews Transcribed Notes
Allows a comparison between stated and actual values sharing which is taking place.
Self Dictaphone Time
Staff availability
Access to internal organizational documentation
N-Vivo
Organization may have values sharing practices in place and staff may not wish to indicate this does not take place.
How would the
organizations internal value system support the
engagement of staff in achieving their organizational goals? Formal Organizational Leaders – Interviews Team Representatives – Interviews Document review/observation
May support the theory of aligned values impact on organizational development.
Self Dictaphone Time
Staff availability
Access to internal organizational documentation
N-Vivo
Organization may not have identified clear internal value system and would not acknowledge this part of study.