Types of Research
Research can be undertaken for two different purposes. One is to solve a currently existing problem in the work setting, the other is to add or contribute to the general body of knowledge in a particular area of interest to the researcher. When research is done with the intention of applying the result of its finding to solving specific problems currently being experienced in the organization, it is called applied research. However, when research is being done chiefly to improve our understanding of certain problems that commonly occur in organizational settings, and how to solve them, the research is called basic or fundamental research. It is also known as pure research. The findings from such research contribute to the building of knowledge in the various management areas.
- Applied Research
Most organizational are interested in applied research and will pay researcher and consultant to study a problem of concern to them in order to find solutions that can be implemented to rectify the problem situation. Let us examine two instances where applied research will help companies to make good decisions.
- Basic or Fundamental Research
Most research and development department in various industries, as well as many professors in colleges and universities, do basic or fundamental research, so that more knowledge is generated in particular areas of interest to the industries, organizations, and researchers.
Uma Sekaran. 1992. Research Methods for Business, A Skill-Building Approach. John Wiley and Sons, Inc. New York. Chichester. Brisbane. Toronto. Singapore.
