An example of studying the three layers of reality (critical realism) on the topic of job stress: for MBA students

An example of studying the three layers of reality (critical realism) on the topic of job stress: for MBA students (information from perplexity.ai)

My question 1: "Briefly explain the three layers of reality in critical realism"

The reply: "Critical realism distinguishes three layers of reality: the real, the actual, and the empirical. These layers help outline how the world is understood beyond mere observation.​

The Real Domain

• The real layer includes all structures, mechanisms, and powers that exist—known and unknown—regardless of whether they are observed or produce an event.​

• This domain forms the basis of causality and is the source of what occurs in the world.​

The Actual Domain

• The actual domain consists of events and phenomena that occur as a result of the mechanisms in the real domain, regardless of whether anyone is there to observe them.​

• Not all real mechanisms result in actual events, but all events originate from real mechanisms.​

The Empirical Domain

• The empirical domain is made up of human experiences and observations of events within the actual domain.​

• This includes what people see, feel, and record, and represents the subjective encounter with reality.​

Each layer builds upon the previous, highlighting that reality in critical realism is more complex and structured than simple observation or experience alone."

My question 2: "With reference to the topic of "the middle-managers' experience of work stress in the five-star hotels of Hong Kong", please suggest 2 research methods to study each of the layers of reality (critical realism), and then briefly discuss how each of the research method findings can inform the understanding of the three layers of reality in this case."

The reply: "To study "middle-managers' experience of work stress in the five-star hotels of Hong Kong" using critical realism, two research methods can be suggested for each layer of reality: the real, the actual, and the empirical. Each method provides insights into different aspects of reality and helps build a comprehensive understanding of work stress in this context.​

Studying the Real Domain

• Suggested methods:

  • Documentary analysis of organizational structures and policies (e.g., HR manuals, hotel management protocols).​

  • Expert interviews with industry specialists or senior management to identify causal mechanisms behind work stress (e.g., inherent power imbalances, job role expectations).​

• Informing understanding:

  • These methods help reveal the underlying mechanisms and structural attributes (like policies and hierarchical organization) that have the potential to generate work stress, even if their effects are not immediately observable.​

Studying the Actual Domain

• Suggested methods:

  • Observation of workplace practices and interactions (e.g., shadowing managers during peak periods, team meetings).​

  • Event logging or analysis of stress-related incidents or records (e.g., records of absenteeism, staff turnover, workplace complaints).​

• Informing understanding:

  • These techniques provide data about what events and behaviours actually occur as manifestations of structural mechanisms, regardless of whether anyone records or notices them at the time.​

  • They show how often stress-related phenomena happen, reflecting the activation of underlying mechanisms in practice.​

Studying the Empirical Domain

• Suggested methods:

  • Surveys or questionnaires for middle managers on their perceived stress levels and sources of stress in daily work.​

  • In-depth interviews or focus groups with managers about their personal experiences of stress and coping strategies.​

• Informing understanding:

  • These methods collect direct accounts and perceptions, providing insight into the observed and experienced dimension of work stress.​

  • They reflect what managers feel, notice, and report, helping connect actual workplace phenomena to lived experiences and interpretations.​

By triangulating findings from each layer, critical realism enables a richer understanding: structural causes (real), how stress manifests (actual), and how it is subjectively experienced (empirical). This method helps develop more effective interventions by addressing root mechanisms, workplace events, and individual perceptions together."

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