Category: Unit 4

I have always enjoyed reading and research in general, but given other commitments and responsibilities, I no longer have an infinite amount of time to spend on research. Thus, there are several factors I use to determine if an article is worth exploring further a consumer of research reports, the most important things for me in the introduction section of a high-quality research paper are:

• A clear and succinct abstract.
• Well written, direct and to the point. If it is difficult to locate the topic, purpose, and intent of the study, then I will likely lose interest.
• The authors must explain why it is relevant, necessary, and the implications of their study.

As Dr. Atha is commonly heard saying, “be substantive and succinct.” If the study is substantive but succinct, it will likely pique my interest, and I will explore it further.

Are you someone that will read the end of a book before you start or even finish it? Are you guilty of doing the same with research articles, skipping to the discussion, or implication, or conclusion? Is it fair to eliminate studies that could be valuable if the introduction is poor? Why? Why not? Is the level of research limited by the author’s writing ability?

Hunter, E.M., Neubert, M. J., Perry. S.J., Witt, L.A., Penny, L.M., & Weinberger, E. (2013). Servant leaders inspire servant followers: Antecedents and outcomes for employees and the organization. Leadership Quarterly, 24(2), 316-331.

Is the study’s purpose clearly specified?

No. The purpose is defined in the abstract and again later in the discussion section but not in the introduction. One can piece it together in the introduction, but it is not as clear and concise as it ought to be.

1/3

Is the focus of the study appropriate?

Yes, the researchers identify independent, dependent, and control variables. However, no confounding variables were defined or discussed.

2/3

Is the overall intent of the study appropriate?  

The ten hypothesis explained the intent.

2/3

Are the participants and the sites appropriate?

Yes, the researchers identify the participants and methods of the study which are both relevant to the study’s intent.

3/3

Is the purpose of the study narrowed through appropriate research questions and hypotheses?

The researchers formulated 10 hypothesis that individually was narrow, but taken together are broad.

2/3

Does the purpose of the study follow logically from the statement of the problem and the literature review?

Yes. The major variables, intent, theory, participants, and sites are well argued. However, the study failed to produce any new knowledge or profound perspectives in the area of servant leadership.

2/3

 

Is the purpose consistent with the study’s overall approach?

Yes, but they have ten hypotheses which creates  a broad and narrow aporach. One can’t help but think they were trying to do too much. Though, the study does answer the research question they asked, I see little value in the study. As mentioned in a previous blog, I was bored and saw little purpose to the study overall, which is reflected in my lower scores.

2/3

 

Total 14/21 – Adequate quality

 

Hunter, E.M., Neubert, M. J., Perry. S.J., Witt, L.A., Penny, L.M., & Weinberger, E. (2013). Servant leaders inspire servant followers: Antecedents and outcomes for employees and the organization. Leadership Quarterly, 24(2), 316-331.

Is the topic interesting?

Yes, for those that desire to lead, an article that discusses leadership ought to be of interest.

2/3

Is there a meaningful problem?

Yes, understanding how servant leadership influences outcomes at different levels of an organization could provide mangers valuable information on how to apply principles of servant leadership.

2/3

Is the importance of the problem justified?

The researchers review the previous literature and identify the lack of research on the application of servant leadership and provide arguments on why they feel it is necessary.

2/3

Are there deficiencies in the knowledge about the problem?

Yes.

2/3

Is an audience identified and are there specific examples of how the audiences can use the missing knowledge?

Yes, they briefly mention how the study would benefit scholars and managers. They could have been more specific.

2/3

Does the passage clearly argue that the study is warranted?

Yes, but I am not convinced the study will find anything we don’t all ready know – servant leadership creates a positive influence, a climate of care, support, and trust, one should not be surprised that employees would be motivated and less likely want to leave in such an environment.

1/3

Is the passage well written?

It was not terrible, but it was not great. To be honest, I was somewhat bored and struggled to get through it, but that might be a reflection of myself and not the authors and their writing.

2/3

Total 13/21 – Adequate quality.