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1、3.1 Introduction The purpose of this chapter is to provide the reader with an understanding of the methodology and relevant research approaches adopted in our research. In this chapter, we explain the research philosophy, approaches and strategies, and why the methodology has been adopted, at the sa
2、me time, the constraints associated with data collection and the limitations to the work will also be discussed.The research aim for this dissertation is to investigate the current human resource management practices of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in China. Obtaining effective data and
3、 information is of vital concern to build an accurate picture of the issue being studied. To a large extent, methodology determines the outcomes of any research. Therefore, it is crucial to choose appropriate research methods and conduct them effectively in order to answer the research question and
4、meet the research objectives well.3.2 Discussion of Methodology Theory3.2.1留学生论文网 Research Philosophy The first question that any researcher should raise before conducting a real research project is what research philosophy you will adopt, this is very fundamental step and generally speaking, there
5、are three views about the research philosophy that dominate the literature: positivism, interpretivism and realism (Saunders et al., 2003).The key idea of positivism is that the social world exists external, and its properties should be measured through objective methods, rather than being inferred
6、subjectively through sensation, reflection or intuition (Smith et al, 1991). If your research philosophy is positivism, you will assume the role of an objective analyst, make detached interpretations about data collected in a value-free manner and emphasize on a highly structured methodology to faci
7、litate replication (Gill and Johnson, 1997) and quantifiable observations that lead themselves to statistical analysis.By contrast with positivism, interpretivism is often associated with the term social constructionism which is critical of positivism and argues that rich insights into this complex
8、world are needed. The role of the interpretivist is to seek to understand the subjective reality of those that they study in order to be able to make sense of and understand their motives, actions and intention (Saunders et al., 2003). In other words, social constructionism offers that reality is su
9、bjective and it is socially constructed and given meaning by people (Seddighi, 2005).Finally, realism recognizes the importance of understanding peoples socially constructed interpretations and meanings, or subjective reality, within the context of seeking to understand broader social forces, struct
10、ures or processes that influence, and perhaps constrain, the nature of peoples views and behaviors (Saunders et al., 2003).(责任编辑：留学生论文网) Based on the differences of three philosophies, this research is of an exploratory nature which is a kind of social constructionism. As Cooper and Schindler (1998,
11、 p. 131) state that, “exploratory studies tend toward loose structure with objective of discovering future research tasks”. Besides, MacDaniel and Gates (1999, p.63) claim that “exploratory research is usually small-scale research undertaken to define the exact nature of the problem and gain a bette
12、r understanding of the environment within which the problem occurred”. All of these fit well with the objectives and other conditions of my research project. Therefore, we adopt the interpretivism philosophy of an exploratory nature in this study.3.2.2 Research Approach Inductive and deductive appro
13、aches There are two basic research approaches available when conducting business research including deductive and inductive methods (Saunders et al., 2000). Their characteristics are described in the following table: Table 3.1 Comparison of Deductive and Inductive Research Approach Induction emphasi
14、zes Deduction emphasizes -gaining an understanding of the meanings humans attach to events -scientific principles -a close understanding of the research context -moving from theory to data-the collection of qualitative data -the need to explain causal relationships between variables -a more flexible
15、 structure to permit changes of research emphasis as the research progresses -the collection of quantitative data researcher independence of what is being researched -a realization that the researcher is part of the research process the application of controls to ensure validity of data -less concer
16、n with the need to generalize -the operationalisation of concepts to ensure clarity of definition -a highly structured approach -the necessity to select samples of sufficient size in order to generalize conclusions (Saunders et al., 2003) The deductive approach is usually regarded as an effective wa
17、y to test theories, where people develop a theory and a hypothesis (or hypotheses) and design a research strategy to test the theory (Saunders et al., 2000). The focus is on whether or not the suggested theory fits, and is appropriate for the organization (Saunders et al., 2000; Seddighi, 2000). The
18、 deduction to research owes much to what we would think of a scientific research, in which you develop a theory and hypothesis and design a research strategy to test the hypothesis (Saunders et al., 2003).On the other hand, inductive approach is usually used to build theories, in practice, people ne
19、ed to collect data and develop theory as a result of data analysis. Nevertheless, the two methodologies are not mutually exclusive, in reality; they are often used jointly in business and management studies (Seddighi, 2000). However, it is important to point out that the choices of research approach
20、 should base on the research question and research objectives.(责任编辑：留学生论文网)Therefore, there is no question that the inductive approach is appropriate for this particular research. I will use the inductive approach, from data to theory, by collecting the data first and then developing new hypothesis
21、as a result of the data analysis. In reality, the research focuses on not only understanding why something happens in the business sector but also describing what happens. As the inductive approach usually only tell people why something happens rather than describe what happens (Saunder et al., 2000
22、), it would have advantage to combine the two approaches in this particular research according to the nature and purpose of this research.Quantitative and Qualitative Approach There are two main types of marketing research in terms of the two, essentially different types of data that are generated b
23、y fundamentally different research approaches-quantitative and qualitative methods (Adcock et al., 1995).Quantitative research involves the collection of information that can be expressed using a numerical measure (Brassington and Pettitt, 2003). However, it includes not only numerical data such as
24、sales figures, market share, market size and demographic information, but also the numerical aspects of other data, often derived from primary research, such as questionnaire-based surveys and interviews (Adcoco et al., 1995). Obviously, the quantitative research usually involves large-scale surveys
25、 that enable a factual base to be formed with sufficient strength to allow statistically rigorous analysis (Brassington and Pettitt, 2003). Therefore, the success of quantitative research to a large extent depends on establishing a representative sample that is large enough to ensure that the data c
26、ollected are reliable and objective. Due to time and financial constraint, obviously, it is unpractical to conduct a truly quantitative based research regarding the timetable and the requirement of the research project. That is not saying that quantitative data will not be utilized in this project.
27、In fact, it is important to obtain the quantitative data from secondary sources in order to support the argument.Qualitative research, on the other hand, usually involves the collection of non-numerical data that is open to interpretation, such as customers opinions, where there is no intention of e
28、stablishing statistical validity (Brassington and Pettitt, 2003). The essence of qualitative research is that it is diagnostic; therefore, it is especially useful for investigating attitudes, motivations, beliefs and intentions. In practice, they are usually based on small-scale samples; therefore,
29、it cannot be generalized in numerical terms (Brassington and Pettitt, 2003). Chisnall (1997) further characterized the method as impressionistic rather than conclusive, he also pointed out that the approach could provide a better understanding of certain factors that might influence buying decisions
30、. However, it is important to point out that the results generalized from the process are often subjective. But for all its limitations, qualitative research is an effective way to reflect the complexity of the interrelationships associated with marketing activities (Chisnall, 1997).(责任编辑：留学生论文网)The
31、refore, there is no question that the inductive approach is appropriate for this particular research. I will use the inductive approach, from data to theory, by collecting the data first and then developing new hypothesis as a result of the data analysis. In reality, the research focuses on not only
32、 understanding why something happens in the business sector but also describing what happens. As the inductive approach usually only tell people why something happens rather than describe what happens (Saunder et al., 2000), it would have advantage to combine the two approaches in this particular re
33、search according to the nature and purpose of this research.Quantitative and Qualitative Approach There are two main types of marketing research in terms of the two, essentially different types of data that are generated by fundamentally different research approaches-quantitative and qualitative met
34、hods (Adcock et al., 1995).Quantitative research involves the collection of information that can be expressed using a numerical measure (Brassington and Pettitt, 2003). However, it includes not only numerical data such as sales figures, market share, market size and demographic information, but also
35、 the numerical aspects of other data, often derived from primary research, such as questionnaire-based surveys and interviews (Adcoco et al., 1995). Obviously, the quantitative research usually involves large-scale surveys that enable a factual base to be formed with sufficient strength to allow sta
36、tistically rigorous analysis (Brassington and Pettitt, 2003). Therefore, the success of quantitative research to a large extent depends on establishing a representative sample that is large enough to ensure that the data collected are reliable and objective. Due to time and financial constraint, obv
37、iously, it is unpractical to conduct a truly quantitative based research regarding the timetable and the requirement of the research project. That is not saying that quantitative data will not be utilized in this project. In fact, it is important to obtain the quantitative data from secondary source
38、s in order to support the argument.Qualitative research, on the other hand, usually involves the collection of non-numerical data that is open to interpretation, such as customers opinions, where there is no intention of establishing statistical validity (Brassington and Pettitt, 2003). The essence
39、of qualitative research is that it is diagnostic; therefore, it is especially useful for investigating attitudes, motivations, beliefs and intentions. In practice, they are usually based on small-scale samples; therefore, it cannot be generalized in numerical terms (Brassington and Pettitt, 2003). C
40、hisnall (1997) further characterized the method as impressionistic rather than conclusive, he also pointed out that the approach could provide a better understanding of certain factors that might influence buying decisions. However, it is important to point out that the results generalized from the
41、process are often subjective. But for all its limitations, qualitative research is an effective way to reflect the complexity of the interrelationships associated with marketing activities (Chisnall, 1997).(责任编辑：留学生论文网) Commonly, secondary data come from printed sources (Books, Magazines, Journals,
42、and trade Newspapers) and in electronic sources (CD-ROM encyclopaedias, Software packages, or online services, such as the Internet.) Books are general resource to provide relevant theory support for the study. Journals are a useful resource for information on a daily basis. They could provide the l
43、atest views and development in the particular area of study. The Internet is also very helpful for the data collecting, especially professional websites Advantages of Secondary Data Collection The most important factor determining me to use the secondary data is that it is easy to do and helps to sa
44、ve both time and money. My research dissertation has to be completed within three months, which implies constraints from the budget, time, and some other factors. Usually, it is much less expensive to use secondary data than to collect the primary data. Furthermore, the verification process is more
45、rapid and the reliability of the information and conclusion is greatly enhanced. Disadvantages of Secondary Data Collection Although secondary data collection is very useful for us to collect the existing information, the information collected through this method may be incomplete. Using this techni
46、que requires people to be quite clear about what they are looking for and this technique is restricted to the data that already exist. It is not a flexible way to collect data. If you are not clear about what you are looking for, you may spend much time but not collect the data you need. So this met
47、hod of documentation should be used base on the assumption that you have the clear objective about what kind of data you want to collect. And the data and information that you want to collect through this method must be the real and existing information available in the market. So this method just c
48、an help to collect the past and historic information and can not collect the in-depth information. The data sources of secondary data collection are from the public and existing materials and are not directly from the customers or other market sources.3.3.1.2 Primary Data Collection There are many d
49、ata collection techniques to collect primary data from the research including interview, questionnaires, focus group and case study and so on. Primary data collection is every important for us to collect in-depth data and information, while secondary data collection only can provide us with the existing and skin-deep data and information.Table 3.3 Advantages and Disadvantages of Primary Data Advantages of Primary Data Disadvantages of Primary Data: Can probe
