A review of the research methods profile of a research study as reported in an article: for MBA students 02

A review of the research methods profile of a research study as reported in an article [information from chatpdf.com]. This 01 note is mainly for my MBA students. The research methods profile of a study influences its priority of literature review effort.

The name of the article: "The human side of entrepreneurship: an empirical investigation of relationally embedded ties with stakeholders", Management Research Review

My question 1: "What are the research objectives of the article?"

The reply: "The research objectives of the article focus on investigating the concept of Humane Entrepreneurship (HumEnt) and its implications for stakeholder relationships. Specifically, the study aims to:

1. Conduct an empirical investigation of the HumEnt model, particularly examining the Human Resource Orientation (HRO) dimension among Italian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
2. Explore the relationships between two components of the HumEnt model—Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) and HRO—and firms’ capacity to engage with different categories of external stakeholders (both value chain and societal stakeholders).
3. Provide empirical evidence to support the theoretical frameworks proposed by previous research on HumEnt , .

These objectives aim to enhance the understanding of how SMEs can effectively manage their stakeholder relationships while focusing on social responsibility and sustainability , ."

My question 2: "what were the main kinds of academic information reviewed in the literature review exercise of the article: academic concepts? academic theories? research methods? theoretical perspectives? empirical findings?"

The reply: "In the literature review exercise of the article, the authors primarily reviewed the following types of academic information:

1. Academic Concepts: The study discusses key concepts related to Humane Entrepreneurship (HumEnt), including components such as Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO), Human Resource Orientation (HRO), and Sustainable Orientation (SO) .

2. Academic Theories: The article references several theoretical frameworks related to HumEnt and stakeholder engagement, highlighting the need for empirical research within these theories, particularly focusing on relational embeddedness and social responsibility in entrepreneurship , .

3. Empirical Findings: The authors build upon existing empirical findings to frame their research, indicating gaps in the literature regarding the empirical validation of the HumEnt model and its dimensions , .

4. Theoretical Perspectives: While the article promotes specific theoretical perspectives regarding HumEnt, it underscores the necessity for further empirical testing to understand how various dimensions influence stakeholder relationships .

Overall, the literature review integrates these elements to contextualize the study within the broader academic discourse on humane entrepreneurship and stakeholder engagement strategies."

My question 3: "What type of research is the study: descriptive research, exploratory research or causal research?"

The reply: "The study is primarily classified as causal research. This categorization is evident as the research investigates the relationships between variables—in this case, the dimensions of the Humane Entrepreneurship (HumEnt) model (Entrepreneurial Orientation and Human Resource Orientation) and their impact on firms' relational embeddedness with different types of stakeholders (value chain and societal stakeholders). The use of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) further supports the aim of identifying causal relationships among these variables , , .

While it may also explore aspects of existing literature and concepts, the main objective is to establish cause-and-effect relationships rather than merely describing phenomena or exploring new areas without predefined hypotheses."

My question 4: "What research philosophies have been adopted in the study as reported in the article?"

The reply: "The study adopts a positivist research philosophy. This is reflected in several aspects of the research approach:

1. Quantitative Data: The study relies on quantitative data collection methods, such as surveys, which align with positivist principles that prioritize objective measurement and statistical analysis to test hypotheses , .

2. Deductive Approach: The researchers use a deductive approach to examine the relationships between the constructs of the HumEnt model and relational embeddedness. This approach typically begins with theoretical concepts and aims to test them through empirical evidence, characteristic of positivist philosophy .

3. Structural Equation Modeling: The use of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) indicates a focus on obtaining precise, measurable results to identify causal relationships, which is a hallmark of positivist research .

Overall, the emphasis on objective, quantifiable data and the testing of specific hypotheses suggest a positivist framework informing this research."

My question 5: "Is the research work mainly consulting-oriented or academic-oriented?"

The reply: "The research work is primarily academic-oriented. This is evident from several aspects of the study:

1. Theory Development and Empirical Investigation: The study aims to contribute to the existing literature on Humane Entrepreneurship (HumEnt) by providing empirical evidence related to theoretical models, particularly the Human Resource Orientation (HRO) model. This focus on advancing academic knowledge characterizes academic-oriented research , .

2. Hypothesis Testing: The research involves the formulation and testing of hypotheses derived from theoretical frameworks. This structured approach to exploring relationships among variables is typical of academic research aimed at contributing to theoretical discussions , .

3. Publication in an Academic Journal: The findings are published in the Management Research Review, which is an academic journal. This context further underscores the academic intent of the research as it seeks to disseminate findings to the scholarly community rather than primarily targeting practical consulting applications .

While the research may have implications for managers and practitioners (which is a feature of applied research), the main focus remains on contributing to academic knowledge and theory in the field of entrepreneurship."

My question 6: "Did the literature review effort of the study reflect its main academic-orientation?"

The reply: "Yes, the literature review effort of the study reflects its main academic orientation. Several aspects indicate this:

1. In-depth Review of Relevant Theories: The literature review discusses various theories related to humane entrepreneurship (HumEnt), including social entrepreneurship and sustainable entrepreneurship. This breadth indicates a thorough examination of existing academic discourse, which is essential in academic research for framing the study within the broader scholarly context .

2. Integration of Recent Research: The authors reference contemporary studies and theoretical developments, showing that they are engaging with current debates and literature in the field. This connectivity to ongoing academic discussions is indicative of a commitment to advancing knowledge rather than simply addressing practical concerns , .

3. Focus on Theoretical Models: The review emphasizes the theoretical framework of HumEnt and its components, such as Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) and Human Resource Orientation (HRO). The authors explore the implications of these models for understanding relational embeddedness with stakeholders, which is a typical endeavor in academic research aiming to build theoretical foundations .

4. Identification of Research Gaps: The authors point out the limitations of existing studies and highlight areas that require further empirical investigation. This critical approach to assessing the literature is essential for academic contributions, as it situates their research as a response to identified gaps in knowledge , .

Overall, the structured approach to reviewing existing literature, the focus on theoretical implications, and the engagement with current academic conversations underline the study's strong academic orientation."

** A relevant reading: a note on the priority of the literature review effort.

Reference: a collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.