Tag: Unit 9

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Week 9 Blog

Part A

What are the similarities and differences in the discussion/conclusion section of a qualitative and quantitative research report?

Similarities:

  • Includes implications and suggestions for practice
  • Limitations of the study
  • Suggestions for future research
  • Overall significance of the study

Differences:

  • In a quantitative research report the summary includes results organized by research questions or hypothesis while a qualitative study include results of major findings which are organized by themes.
  • In a quantitative research report the summary includes results in terms of predictions and or prior studies while a qualitative study include a comparison of findings within existing studies.
  • Only in a qualitative study will you find personal reflections about the study.

Part B

Research Quality rating for article called, An examination of emotional intelligence as an antecedent of servant leadership (Barbuto, Gottfredson & Searle, 2014).

  1. The major results are identified and summarized – Rating 3 – Emotional intelligence was related to servant leadership and in particular in the leader-reported results. For the follower-reported results the results were less significant however the researchers provided a number of possible reasons why with this particular study group, the outcome may have been influenced. This study utilized public servants and the researchers suggested the outcome may have been influenced by political leaders feeling influenced in behaviors in order to stay in office. The researchers therefore suggested that additional studies be conducted in the private sector.
  2. The results are thoughtfully examined in relation to the literature and personal reflections – Rating 3 – The major results are summarized in tables as well as results section.
  3. Appropriate implications of the results for practice are identified and justified
    Rating 3 – The results of the practice are identified and justified. The quantitative study clearly demonstrates that emotional intelligence is an antecedent for servant leader ideology however not a predictor of servant leader behaviors with followers.
  4. Thoughtful critiques of the study’s limitations are provided and appropriate for the research approach – Rating 3 – The critique of the studies limitations are well thought out. Further research is suggested in the public sector as well as larger groups of followers surveyed may have an effect on the results.
  5. Suitable implications of the result for future research are identified and justified – Rating 3 – The results of the practice are identified and justified. The quantitative study clearly demonstrates that emotional intelligence is an antecedent for servant leader ideology however not a predictor of servant leader behaviors with followers.
  6. The interpretations are consistent with the study – Rating 3 – The researcher acknowledge that much is still needed to learn on servant leadership and if emotional intelligence is an antecedent to servant leadership. In the conclusion the researchers indicate that this particular study may be the only one, indicating that the research does require much more studies, including in the private sector.
  7. The back matter is appropriate for the study report – Rating 3 – The researchers did an excellent job with back references and in utilizing previous research methods. The list of references were complete and organized in an APA format.

The overall score is 21/21 indicating a high quality research report.

Part C

  1. As a consumer of research reports what were the most important aspects you need to consider in the discussion/conclusion section of a high-quality research report?

As a consumer of research reports, the most important aspects that should be considered in the discussion/conclusion section of a high-quality research report is a summary of major findings from the research, recommended next steps, limitations of the research, how the research can be applied practically as well as references and other back matter.

  1. Are there any elements of this section that you still have questions about or finding confusing?

My question is regarding the listing of a glossary. I see in some research papers quite extensive lists of glossary terms. Are glossaries becoming more important with a global economy? My hunch is they can be quite helpful so as not to misunderstand the intention or confuse terms. Do you think glossaries will become more of a standard in research papers?

  1. How can you apply this knowledge to your work context or current leadership experience?

The learning in week 9 is relevant to my current role at Seyem’ Qwantlen Business Group, where I am required to attend community meetings and provide information to the elders, land code committee and membership. Issues such as rights and title, purchase of lands and where to focus business investments require a great deal of thought and consideration. If I were to present information that is not well thought out, it would not instill confidence in the community and in my decision making ability. Utilizing the tools and approaches of scholarly research removes ambiguity and provides a scientific based approach to drawing conclusions. I’ve also learned that there is already a great deal of information or literature available to help in making informed decisions. Conclusions must be drawn from past scholarly research and any new information should be backed up and justified. Without doing so, and instead drawing conclusions based on opinions, can have effects on my community’s future success and on future generations. It would also effect the perceptions of the community on my ability to function as a servant leader.

In closing, I invite comments regarding my question above, with respect to a glossary. Do you find glossaries in research papers helpful in creating clarity and understanding, particularly with a global economy ?

References

Barbuto, J. E., Gottfredson, R. K., & Searle, T. P. (2014). An examination of emotional intelligence as an antecedent of servant leadership. Journal of Leadership and Organizational Studies, 21(3), 315-323.

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Unit 9, Activity 2

The world is ever moving at a fast pace, and one area in particular that is effecting business is the technology sector. Business leaders need to be aware of emerging trends in order to continue to stay relevant. Examples of how the US and Canada Postal service have been impacted by tech are:

  • The internet allows for online billing which has replaced the need for paper invoicing.
  • Bank accounts can be set up for automatic bill payments and for access to accounts, further reducing the need for mail.
  • Letters and communications of a personal nature can now be sent through email or through social media channels.
  • With the reduction in personal mail, home delivery services are being eliminated and replaced with neighborhood mailboxes or PO boxes for efficiencies.
  • Online shopping has increased and as a result the postal services have had to adapt and allow for larger mail parcels.
  • Sorting of mail has been impacted by technology as new robotics are introduced to reduce the need of employee sorting.
  • With more online products being sent via the mail, theft has become a larger issue as well as security concerns for illegal substances.
  • Technology will continue to play a role in how mail and parcels are delivered. For example there is emerging drone technology where parcels can be delivered to the doorstep.
  • Door to door advertising has increased while T.V. and radio ads have decreased. With the advent of on demand TV, the ability to skip through commercials and with the ability to stream music, demands for radio and T.V ads have decreased. Accessing customers through mail, billboards and the internet however has substantially increased. This presents perhaps a new opportunity for the postal service.

In the case of companies like Walmart, they too have been effected by the tech industry:

  • Online sales are taking over the retail sector reducing the need for bricks and mortar store fronts. On the other hand because of online sales, distribution centers are growing.
  • With an increase in online sales, transportation of goods have changed from large deliveries to storefronts to individual mailing of parcels and distribution networks.
  • Competition has increased as customers are now able to look online and price compare.
  • Automation of check outs has reduced the need for clerks at stores. This automation however has resulted also in an increase in security technology to monitor for theft.
  • How products are marketed in stores have also changed. Some stores are resorting to having picture advertisements or one display of a product, particularly large items which then refer the customer to purchase online.
  • Additional services have become important at the storefront in order to attract customers. For example, including other retail services such as automobile insurance, beauty, restaurants, etc. at the store front, it is more likely to encourage a trip to the store.
  • New employment opportunities have arisen such as price comparison shoppers so that storefronts can compete with online shopping.
  • It is widely known that Walmart has been out performed by new companies such as Amazon whom saw the trend in online shopping, long before Walmart did.
  • Walmart has further had to adapt to the changing trend in online sales by increasing the store footprint for food services as opposed to other goods.

In summary, both Walmart and the Postal Services have done their best to adapt to emerging trends, however in some cases they are lagging behind. Fortunately though, because these organizations are large in size, with plenty of investor backing, it is likely they will succeed and adapt. Perhaps the only real critique I’ve seen that I would do differently is self-checkout. It seems that this technology has not been carefully thought out and likely was introduced due to pressure from customers. Self-checkout is getting better but still has many wrinkles to sort out. Sometimes customers will think something is a good idea and put pressure on businesses to do something about it, without thinking it through fully. All you have to do is stand and watch how many times a customer gets stuck at a Walmart because they can’t look up and find the right fruit or vegetable or because something isn’t scanning right. On the contrary I liken the Costco approach where they will listen to the customer but in the end Costco knows what is best for their customer. Costco’s approach to self-checkout is that technology is not where it needs to be, it would also open the door up to customers using other customer membership cards, which is something store clerks are trained to look out for. Am I not the only one that see that self-checkouts have a ways to go before they truly make the shopping experience easier? Or will self-checkouts become redundant in retail as we head toward more online sales?