A note on how to formulate questionnaire survey questions as informed by a specific theory: for MBA students

A note on how to formulate questionnaire survey questions as informed by a specific theory: for MBA students (information from poe.com)

My question 1: "As an MBA student doing dissertation project, I have a question about formulating questionnaire survey questions, as informed by academic theories. Two cases I need your advice:

Case 1: If my questionnaire asks the respondents about how they perceive the intensity of competition in terms of Porter's Five forces model, and I should avoid mentioning this model (an academic jargon), how to formulate the questionnaire questions in this case."

The reply: "When designing your questionnaire to assess perceptions of competition without directly referencing Porter's Five Forces model, consider framing your questions in a way that focuses on the underlying concepts. Here are some suggestions for formulating your questions:

1. Industry Rivalry

• Question: How would you describe the level of competition among companies in your industry?
  • Options: Very low, Low, Moderate, High, Very high

2. Threat of New Entrants

• Question: How likely do you think it is for new companies to enter your industry?
  • Options: Very unlikely, Unlikely, Neutral, Likely, Very likely

3. Bargaining Power of Suppliers

• Question: How much influence do suppliers have on the prices and terms of products in your industry?
  • Options: No influence, Low influence, Moderate influence, High influence, Very high influence

4. Bargaining Power of Buyers

• Question: How much power do customers have in negotiating prices and terms in your industry?
  • Options: No power, Low power, Moderate power, High power, Very high power

5. Threat of Substitutes

• Question: How easy is it for customers to find alternative products or services to those offered in your industry?
  • Options: Very difficult, Difficult, Neutral, Easy, Very easy

6. Overall Competitive Environment

• Question: Overall, how would you rate the competitive environment in your industry?
  • Options: Very weak, Weak, Neutral, Strong, Very strong

Tips for Formulating Questions

• Use Clear Language: Avoid jargon and ensure questions are straightforward.
• Focus on Perceptions: Frame questions to gather subjective opinions rather than objective facts.
• Include Likert Scales: Use scales (e.g., 1 to 5) to measure intensity or frequency, which can help quantify perceptions.

By focusing on the concepts and avoiding academic terminology, you can gather valuable insights while keeping your questionnaire accessible."

My question 2: "Case 2: If my questionnaire asks the respondents about how they perceive employees motivation status in terms of the Maslow's hierarchy of needs, and I should avoid mentioning this motivation model (an academic jargon), how to formulate the questionnaire questions in this case?"

The reply: "To assess employees' motivation status without directly referencing Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, you can frame your questions around the different levels of needs in a more relatable manner. Here are some suggestions for formulating your questions:

1. Basic Needs

• Question: How satisfied are you with your basic working conditions, such as salary, safety, and health benefits?
  • Options: Very dissatisfied, Dissatisfied, Neutral, Satisfied, Very satisfied

2. Security and Stability

• Question: How secure do you feel in your job position and the future of your employment?
  • Options: Very insecure, Insecure, Neutral, Secure, Very secure

3. Social Connections

• Question: How would you rate your relationships with colleagues and your sense of belonging in the workplace?
  • Options: Very poor, Poor, Neutral, Good, Very good

4. Recognition and Achievement

• Question: How often do you feel recognized for your contributions and achievements at work?
  • Options: Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Often, Always

5. Personal Growth and Development

• Question: How satisfied are you with the opportunities for personal and professional development provided by your organization?
  • Options: Very dissatisfied, Dissatisfied, Neutral, Satisfied, Very satisfied

6. Overall Motivation

• Question: Overall, how motivated do you feel to perform your job effectively?
  • Options: Not motivated at all, Slightly motivated, Moderately motivated, Very motivated, Extremely motivated

Tips for Formulating Questions

• Use Simple Language: Keep questions straightforward and relatable.
• Focus on Experiences: Frame questions around personal experiences and feelings rather than abstract concepts.
• Include Scales for Responses: Use a Likert scale to quantify responses for easier analysis.

This approach will help you gather insights into employee motivation while keeping your questionnaire accessible and engaging."

My question 3: "Overall, could you offer 3 main advices how to formulate questionnaire questions that are informed by a specific academic theory in this case?"

The reply: "Here are three key pieces of advice for formulating questionnaire questions informed by specific academic theories:

1. Translate Theory into Everyday Language

• Advice: Avoid academic jargon by rephrasing theoretical concepts into everyday terms. Focus on the practical implications of the theory. For example, instead of using terms like "hierarchy of needs," describe the underlying concepts as different types of employee needs or motivations.

2. Focus on Specific Behaviors and Experiences

• Advice: Frame questions around observable behaviors, feelings, or experiences rather than abstract concepts. This makes it easier for respondents to relate to the questions. For instance, instead of asking about "motivation levels," ask about how often they feel recognized or supported at work.

3. Utilize Clear Scales for Responses

• Advice: Implement Likert scales or other clear response formats to quantify perceptions and attitudes. This helps in measuring intensity or frequency effectively. Ensure that the scale is balanced (e.g., 1 to 5) to capture a range of opinions without bias.

By following these guidelines, you'll create a questionnaire that is both theoretically informed and user-friendly, leading to more reliable and valid responses."

A collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.