Tag: Unit 5

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Unit 5 – response to post

Question from awalkinthewoods: Out of curiosity, and this may seem like a silly question, but how much do you think your current position and your background education play into your preference for either Quantitative or Qualitative research? Do you think either of those things even play a role or is it solely dependent upon what you are currently trying to achieve (either an explanation or further exploration)?

I think both our work experiences and personal experiences can play a role in the preference for quantitative or qualitative research. Naturally we prefer things we can understand and make sense of. I also believe there is a perception that quantitative data is more credible and scientific in nature and so biases can exist between one or the other. In considering a quantitative or qualitative research reports however, I believe that either or can be credible in nature and differ in quality. In my own work context I can see value in either a quantitative or qualitative approach, but sometimes it comes down to what would be the best way to collect the information to draw a conclusion. There are many factors to consider such as availability of participants, quality of participants or how much time is available to collect the research. Also as we’ve learned, sometimes the research question will drive whether a quantitative or qualitative research report is more suitable.

Another factor comes to mind in terms of a preference is dependent on what current information is available. For example my child has a disability and currently there is a great deal of scientific research with quantitative data to support intervention. That said there is also new and emerging research literature that is available and should not be ignored. Having said that it comes down to budget and how I want to spend my hard earned dollars. In the case of my child I’ve elected to follow the quantitative research literature that is available that provides the most amount of evidence in supporting my child’s ability to improve. Perhaps if I had an unlimited budget I might consider looking at some of the early qualitative research papers that are pointing toward some new types of therapy.

I guess in the end whether it be a qualitative or quantitative research preference, our life experiences, hunches as to the outcomes, time restraints, how far we want to delve into the research, how much current literature on the topic is available, whom the authors are and how driven we are to seek an answer will create biases on whether we prefer qualitative or quantitative research. Hopefully after completing this course we will learn that they both have their value in furthering science based research.

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Unit 5, Assessment

Part A    

In the guidebook, Understanding Research by Plano-Clark and Creswell (2015), they provide the following explanation to describe the differences between Quantitative and Qualitative research:

“In quantitative research the research problem tends to call for:

  • An explanation of the relationship that exist among variables,
  • A measurement of trends in a population” (Plano-Clark and Creswell, 2015, p. 59).

“In qualitative research problems tend to call for:

  • An exploration because little is known about the problem,
  • A detailed description and understanding of a phenomenon” (Plano-Clark and Creswell, 2015, p. 59).

“In quantitative research, researchers identify research problems that call for an explanation of the relationships among variables” (Plano-Clark and Creswell, 2015, p. 59).

“Qualitative Research is best suited for research problems that call for the need to explore and learn from participants because important variables are unknown or insufficient for describing a phenomenon” (Plano-Clark and Creswell, 2015, p. 59).

Assessment of qualitative research

Research Report select written by Van Winkle, Allen, DeVore & Winston (2014).

  1. The choice of the research design is appropriate and justified – Rating 3 – the research design was based on previous collection method and were tested against previous results for accuracy. The researchers utilized previously tested collection methods and resulted were tested against previous results for accuracy. As stated “The ESLB scale (Winston & Fields, n.d.) was chosen for its design, brevity, and reliability” (Van Winkle, Allen, DeVore & Winston, 2014, p. 74). Also chosen was Laschinger et al.’s (2010) CWEQ II, because it “extends an existing model of workplace empowerment and integrates Kanter’s (1977, 1993) theory of structural power in organizations and Spreitzer’s (1995) notion of psychological empowerment” (Laschinger et al., 2010, P.5). So yes the research design is appropriate and justified.
  2. Good quantitative procedures are used to select and assign participants – Rating 2 – the researchers checked with an outside review board to receive approval prior to the data collection. The researchers selected adults 18 years of age, employed at small businesses. They also worked with a college and received permission to work with adult business students. While the procedure as to selecting participants was approved, it could have been improved by including a larger population base, participants from across the country and also diverse populations.
  3. Good quantitative data collection procedures are used – Rating 2 – A survey link was sent to 156 participants and 130 of the surveys were received. Of the 130, 116 were useable. My reasoning for a score of 2 is because it is not clear how the survey was controlled to ensure that it was in fact the employees and not supervisors responding. For example if the survey was passcode protected it could have ensured the further step in ensuring the data collected was in fact from the intended participants. It was also not described why some of the respondent’s survey results were not useable.
  4. Good quality data analysis procedures were used – Rating 2 – as indicated in the research paper “The Pearson Product-Moment (PPM) correlation coefficient (r) was used to measure the relationship between the participant’s perceptions of their supervisor’s servant leadership and overall empowerment, as well as each empowerment subscale” (Van Winkle, Allen, DeVore & Winston, 2014, p. 75). The data could have been better controlled by using a unique passcode to ensure the participants were the correct participants that were requested to participate in the study. A survey link was sent to participants, likely for efficiency but the report does not address control measures that were in place for accuracy.
  5. Good quantitative results and conclusions are reported – Rating 3 – the researched provided a table indicating the result of their study and then further went on to discuss the results of the scores in more detail.
  6. The study used a rigorous research design – Rating 2 – The research design could have been improved by including a larger population based, samples from different parts of the country and more information on the demographics of those that participated in the research.
  7. The use of the quantitative research design addressed the study’s purpose – Rating 3 – As stated in The Relationship Between the Servant Leadership Behaviors of Immediate Supervisors and Followers’ Perceptions of Being Empowered in the Context of Small Business “The purpose of the study was to measure the relationship between followers’ perceptions of the servant leadership of their immediate supervisor and followers’ sense of empowerment in the context of small business” (Van Winkle, Allen, DeVore & Winston, 2014, p. 70). Also as quoted under the heading of Small Business, according to Wang and Pouziouris (2010) “There has been little written about small business leaders and servant leadership, and according to Wang and Poutziouris (2010), “research on the leadership in the small business domain remains immature” (p. 350). So yes the research addressed the studies purpose.

Overall score is 17/21 which indicates an adequate quality overall quantitative research report.

Part B

Quality criteria for data collection utilizing research by Van Winkle, Allen, DeVore & Winston (2014)…

  1. The sampling strategy is appropriate and justified – Rating 2 – The researcher’s strategy was to utilize email to send the surveys out. There were no details about controls in place to ensure the surveys were completed by the right group. The strategy was not very detailed and appeared like the researchers were looking for a quick turnaround.
  2. The sample size is appropriate and justified – Rating 3 – “The sample size of 116 resulted in a power of 100%, (using Howell, 2013) suggesting the sample size was more than adequate to support the correlation found” (Van Winkle, Allen, Devore & Winston, 2014, p. 76).
  3. High quality instruments are used to gather data – Rating 1 – the instrument used it appears to gather data is an emailed survey. The survey was sent to business owners and employees recruited on campus. There are a number of concerns with this method in that there is not mention on how the surveys were controlled and that steps were put in place to ensure employees were able to complete the survey as opposed to business owners. There is also no mention of anonominity and so the participants may have not been truthful in their responses out of fear of owner retribution.
  4. The data are gathered using ethical quantative procedures – Rating 3 – there does not appear to be any issues related to ethics.
  5. The data are gathered using standardized quantative procedures – Rating 3 – yes the data included previously recognized quantative procedures and the results shared in a table.
  6. The study has a high level of internal validity – Rating 3 – The study utilized numerous other quantitative studies and build on former knowledge. Also the study utilized former knowledge in reviewing the data and comparing result of previous data.
  7. The study has a high level of external validity – Rating 3 – the authors are qualified with credential suitable for this type of report. The report is also published by a respectable and well known Journal publication which means the study would have undergone a peer review.

Overall score 18/21 indicating a high quality collection of quantitative data.

Part C

Evaluation of the data analysis and results utilizing research by Van Winkle, Allen, DeVore & Winston (2014)…

  1. The data was rigorously scored and prepared – Rating 3 – The data was collected using a 5-point Likert scale and so the score was outlined prior to the participants responding to the survey.
  2. Good descriptive analysis were conducted – Rating 3 – The analysis was well written and shared in the results, discussions and findings section. References were providing drawing a correlation to previous known knowledge and newly found knowledge.
  3. Good hypothesis testing procedures were used – Rating 0 – It does not appear that the authors provided any hypothesis.
  4. The results are comprehensive – Rating 1 – I felt the authors had the opportunity to research and provide more analysis then they did. The results shared were minimal and perhaps without having a number of hypothesis to be researched, it did not require extensive results to be shared. I feel like this is a missed opportunity.
  5. The results include sufficient information – Rating 1 – again I did not feel the report provided sufficient information and left me wanting to know more such as how the results might have differed by gender, age and race.
  6. The data analysis represents a good quantitative process – Rating 3 – the author’s analysis in the discussions and findings did correlate back to the quantitative process that was followed.
  7. The results provide a good explanation of the study’s purpose – Rating 3 – the results did indicate that the study’s purpose was met.

Overall quality 14/21 indicating adequate quality results for the data analysis and results, likely pointing back to gaps in collection of data.

Part D

As a consumer of research reports, the most important aspects needed to consider in the methods and results section of a high quality quantitative report is citing literature that includes models of how to design a study and how to collect and analyze data. If a research paper utilizes previous successful methods, the information and results are more likely to be credible and measurable. Detailed information about how the information is collected and what controls are in place to ensure credible data is also equally important.

The collection of data appears to be time consuming and difficult for the average person to have access to collection models that ensure anonominity, security and reliability of the data in a quantitative report. The other skillset that is needed of researchers is mathematical skills that can explain the data in an anonymous way. Depending on the field of study this could potentially prohibit individuals from participating in a research report if not comfortable in a mathematical setting.

One thing that is evident in creating a credible qualitative research report is that it takes time to set up collection methods and to think through potential gaps in the research. Also taking time to think about a hypothesis in advance may help to shape what data is collected. In my current role as a leader, having the time to create a research report is not likely however having the ability to read research reports on industry trends is essential. In particular in reading research reports on leadership styles and trends that effect employee morale and productivity.

What kinds of research tools are available and accessible to an amateur researcher, for the collection of qualitative data?

References

Howell, D.C. (2013) Statistical methods for psychology (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Cengage.

Kanter, R.M. (1977) Men and woman of the corporation. New York, NY. Basic Books.

Laschinger, H., Gilbert, S., Smith, L., & Leslie K. (2010). Towards a comprehensive theory of nurse/patient empowerment: Applying Kanter’s empowerment theory to patient care. Journal of Nursing Management, 18, 4-13

Plano-Clark, V., & Creswell, J. (2015). Understanding research: A consumer’s guide (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

Spreitzer, G.M. (1995). Psychological empowerment in the workplace: Dimensions, measurement and validation. Academy of Management Journal, 38(5), 1442-1465. doi:10.2307/256865

 

Van Winkle, B., Allen, S., DeVore, D., & Winston, B. (2014). The relationship between the servant leadership behaviors of immediate supervisors and follower’s perceptions of being empowered in the context of small business. Journal of Leadership Education, 13(3), 70-82.

Wang, Y., & Poutziouris, P. (2010). Leadership styles, management systems and growth: Empirical evidence from UK owner-managed SMEs. Journal of Enterprising Culture, 18(3), 331-354.

Winston, B.E., & Fields, D. (n.d.) Development and evaluation of a new parsimonious measure of servant leadership. Manuscript under review.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Invictus movie – key leadership lessons

In 1995 South Africa was struggling to move forward from segregation to integration. The nation was divided by long standing beliefs and prejudices fueled by the separation of white people from from the black population. Nelson Mandela, an anti-apartheid revolutionary, and new to the role of President, was struggling to find a way to bring his country together. The movie Invictus, based on true events stared Morgan Freeman who portrayed Nelson Mandela and Matt Damon playing the role of Francois Peinaar, the all-star Captain of the all-white rugby team called the Springboks.

South Africa, would be the home to the rugby world cup, and so Mandela encourages both whites and blacks to come together for the love of their countries team. Instead of focusing on their differences which seemed to set them apart, he focused on what they had in common. Mandela knew he would have a challenge ahead of him as he was surrounded by a population that had been influenced by prejudices for generations. He knew however that if he could get his people to open their minds and their hearts, they could put their differences aside and unite as a country. Mandela was in a leadership role with what almost seemed like an impossible task. Even though he could not predict the outcome he did not give up on his vision.

Nelson spent years as a political prisoner which prepared him for his role of President. He was a leader that had a tremendous amount of courage and was willing to step outside the norm of common thinking. This cost him dearly, with having lost many years of his freedom. Mandela knew though that doing the right thing is never easy. Other great leaders in history too have had to show courage in order to show others the way. He knew never to give up, even in his darkest hour, if it meant changing his country for the better.

As a political leader, Nelson Mandela knew he had the attention of the world and could leverage his influence in order to put pressure on his countrymen to do the right thing. He was a speaker of the people and was the voice to those that were unable to speak for themselves. In an effort to bring reconciliation to his country though, he knew he had to encourage the black people to make the first step. He did this by encouraging the black population to come out and support the Springbok Rugby team. Mandela took the approach of forgiveness which opened up discussions on truth and reconciliation.

Mandela was known as a person that tackled issues head on. In the movie when he was first in office, employees were packing their bags expecting to be fired. He immediately addressed the issue by calling a meeting with his staff to dispel any rumors and then followed by giving his expectations, wasting no time.

Perhaps a more challenging leadership role in the movie Invictus, was that of Francios Peinaar. Francios was faced with changing the beliefs of white people that had been enjoying a comfortable and privileged life. Prejudices that had passed down for generations both in government, family and in everyday life. The effects of segregation made life difficult for the black population as crime and poverty were prevalent. This created a whole other level of socital issues including mental health and effects from drugs and alcohol. In turn this created fear amongst the white people that the blacks could not be trusted.  Francios Peinaar’s father in the movie, spoke of the kind of mistrust when he said “they are going to take our jobs and drive us to the sea” (Invictus movie 2009).

In the end, the movie Invictus showed how the country was able to come together and head down the path of reconciliation. The country went on to win the world cup which brought all people together to celebrate a common win. Throughout history there have been examples of leaders that have helped to create common ground for all men, woman and children. In Canada today for example, we are only at the beginning of reconciliation with indigenous people. One cannot help but see the similarities of the apartheid movement with the Canadian Indian Act. Canada however does not have a Nelson Mandela leading the way. With Canada being as large as it is and with many indigenous communities in remote areas does this make the topic of truth and reconciliation less of an interest amongst other world issues? If so how does Canada come together and unite a country that has also experienced segregation, poverty amongst indigenous people and all other social issues that have come from years of abuses to our indigenous people?

 

 

 

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Unit 5, Learning Activity 2

Spears (2010), identified ten characteristics of effective and caring leaders. Three actions a leader should take when coordinating a group project are listening, persuasion and commitment to growth of people.

In a group dynamic there are individuals that are more dominant than others and if given the opportunity to take over, might very well do so. In a group dynamic it is important that all team members feel heard and included or the risk is some team members may not choose to participate. I’ve been on projects where there is a team member that doesn’t speak but then has something very profound to say that might not have been shared unless the team leaders was astute enough to ask. When team members feel their ideas are valued they will likely feel more compelled to participate and share ideas.

Another characteristic that is of value in a group setting in persuasion. Again certain individuals if given the chance will dominate and take over a group project. There will also be situations whereby team members may disagree on a topic or direction. An effective leader is able to listen to all sides and gain consensus as a group on how to move forward. More so, an effective leader is able to make both parties feel valued and heard. Productivity on projects at times risk delays if participants feel their contributions are not valued.

The third quality of an effective leader in a group setting is commitment to growth of people. As an organization grows its important for succession planning to have future leaders ready to take on and lead projects. An effective leader will recognize an employee that is emerging as a leader and is developing their skills. A strong leader will recognize these individuals within a group and allow them to take on a stronger role, perhaps even leading the group. Knowing when to step in/out will build confidence in the employee and allow an organization to grow in capacity. It’s a very humbling approach and in my experience some of the best leaders display a great deal of confidence and security in their roles that they don’t need to feel threatened by new and emerging leaders.

In leading projects I see the value of a project charter in identified roles and responsibilities. What happens though when a team falls off the rails and a new project lead is required. Can a team really ever recover from this type of situation?

Spears, Larry C. (2010) Character and Servant Leadership: Ten Characteristics of Effective,Caring Leaders. The Journal of Virtues & Leadership, Vol. 1 Iss. 1, 2010, 25-30.