A study note on how an academic theory (chosen via a researcher's literature review) informs a research method design: examples for MBA students (information from perplexity.ai)
My question 1: "With reference to the dissertation project research objective of "to evaluate the motivation status of the sales representatives of XYZ Insurance company", I am going to use Herzberg's two-factor theory to inform my semi-structured research interview design to interview sales representatives. Could you suggest 2 interview questions that are informed by this motivation theory and indicate how the two questions are informed by this theory?"
The reply: "For your dissertation project research objective "to evaluate the motivation status of the sales representatives of XYZ Insurance company" using Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory, here are two suggested semi-structured interview questions informed by the theory, along with explanations of how they relate to Herzberg's concepts:
Suggested Interview Questions
"Can you describe aspects of your job that make you feel truly satisfied or motivated to perform well?"
- How this is informed by Herzberg's theory:This question targets the motivators (also called satisfiers) in Herzberg's theory, which are intrinsic factors such as achievement, recognition, the work itself, responsibility, advancement, and opportunities for personal growth. These factors are what genuinely increase job satisfaction and motivate employees to excel. Asking this helps identify what intrinsic elements in the sales representatives' roles contribute to their motivation and satisfaction145.
"Are there any conditions or aspects of your work environment or company policies that you find frustrating or that reduce your motivation? How do these affect your overall job satisfaction?"
- How this is informed by Herzberg's theory:This question explores the hygiene factors (also known as dissatisfiers), which are extrinsic elements such as salary, company policies, working conditions, supervision, and relationships with colleagues. According to Herzberg, these factors do not motivate employees when present but cause dissatisfaction if inadequate or missing. Understanding these helps evaluate what hygiene factors may be causing dissatisfaction or demotivation among the sales representatives123.
Summary
The first question focuses on intrinsic motivators that drive satisfaction and motivation, aligned with Herzberg's motivator factors.
The second question addresses extrinsic hygiene factors that, if lacking, cause dissatisfaction but do not necessarily motivate when improved.
Using these two questions in your semi-structured interviews will allow you to assess both sides of Herzberg’s theory—what motivates the sales reps and what might be causing dissatisfaction—thus providing a comprehensive evaluation of their motivation status."
My question 2: "With reference to the dissertation project research objective of "to evaluate the business strategy of Big Family Happiness fast food chain company", I am going to use Miles and Snow's (1978) four strategic types: prospectors, defenders, analyzers, and reactors to inform my semi-structured research interview design to interview the CEO and the marketing manager of the fast food chain company. Could you suggest 2 interview questions that are informed by this strategic type model and indicate how the two interview questions are informed by this Miles and Snow's model?"
The reply: "For your dissertation project on evaluating the business strategy of Big Family Happiness fast food chain company using Miles and Snow’s (1978) four strategic types—prospectors, defenders, analyzers, and reactors—here are two semi-structured interview questions designed for the CEO and marketing manager, along with explanations of how they are informed by the model:
Suggested Interview Questions
"How does Big Family Happiness approach market opportunities and innovation? Can you describe how the company identifies and responds to new trends or changes in customer preferences?"
- How this is informed by Miles and Snow’s model:This question probes whether the company behaves like a prospector, which is characterized by actively seeking new market opportunities, experimenting with innovations, and frequently changing product offerings to stay ahead of competitors. Prospectors are the creators of change in their industries and thrive on innovation and market dynamism. Understanding how the company pursues entrepreneurial problems and innovation aligns with identifying a prospector strategic type34.
"In what ways does the company focus on efficiency and stability in its current operations? How do you balance maintaining existing products and services with exploring new business areas?"
- How this is informed by Miles and Snow’s model:This question addresses whether the company fits the defender or analyzer type. Defenders focus on a narrow product-market domain, emphasizing efficiency, stability, and protecting their current market position without aggressively seeking new opportunities. Analyzers combine stable operations in some areas with cautious innovation in others, balancing efficiency and adaptability. This question helps reveal the company’s approach to engineering and administrative problems, and how it manages the trade-off between stability and change34.
Summary
The first question explores the company’s entrepreneurial strategy and innovation orientation, key to identifying a prospector type.
The second question investigates operational focus on efficiency and market stability, which helps distinguish between defender and analyzer types.
These questions will help you understand how Big Family Happiness positions itself strategically in relation to the Miles and Snow typology, providing insights into its strategic orientation and adaptive cycle."
My question 3: "With reference to the dissertation project research objective of "to evaluate effectiveness of the leadership style of ABC Wedding Planning company", I am going to use the six Goleman leadership styles model to inform my questionnaire survey design to study the employees of the company. Could you suggest 2 survey questions (using 5-point rating scale) that are informed by the six Goleman leadership styles and indicate how the two survey questions are informed by the Goleman leadership style model?"
The reply: "Here are two suggested 5-point rating scale survey questions informed by Goleman’s six leadership styles model for evaluating the leadership style effectiveness at ABC Wedding Planning company, along with explanations of how they relate to the model:
Suggested Survey Questions
- "My leader clearly communicates a compelling vision and inspires me to work towards common goals."(Rating scale: 1 = Strongly disagree, 5 = Strongly agree)
- How this is informed by Goleman’s model:This question reflects the authoritative (visionary) leadership style, where leaders provide clear direction and motivate employees by articulating a compelling vision. This style is effective in guiding teams toward shared objectives and fostering enthusiasm, which is critical for leadership effectiveness assessment12.
- "My leader encourages team collaboration and actively involves employees in decision-making."(Rating scale: 1 = Strongly disagree, 5 = Strongly agree)
- How this is informed by Goleman’s model:
Summary
The first question assesses the presence and impact of the authoritative style, focusing on vision and inspiration.
The second question evaluates the democratic style, focusing on participation and collaboration.
Using these questions in your survey will help measure key dimensions of leadership effectiveness based on Goleman’s emotional intelligence-driven leadership styles."
** An overall diagram on the literature review exercise.
A collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.
No comments:
Post a Comment