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Methods in Management Research: Methodological Fit in Management Research
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:42:32
Abstract
This module covers basic issues of study design, such as definition of concepts/variables, choice of data collection and data analysis methods, validity and its limitations, and embedding research in existing paradigms/scientific communities.
Objective
The module aims to support students in - understanding the key elements of study design and the choices related to each - knowing and being able to apply criteria for the validity of empirical research - discussing methodological issues in relation to their own research
Content
Basic approaches to empirical inquiry (deduction, induction, abduction) and their relation to methodological perspectives (qualitative, quantitative, mixed) are discussed. Different types of validity of empirical research are introduced and applied to different methods for data collection and analysis. Consideration of levels of analysis and treatment of time are discussed as two additional key requirements in study design. The concepts introduced in the course are applied to pertinent examples of published research.
Resources
Literature
Session 1: Choices in study design and validity criteria Scandura, T.A. & Williams, E.A. (2000). Research methodology in management: Current practices, trends, and implications for future research. Academy of Management Journal, 43, 1248-1264. Edmondson, A.C. & McManus, S.E. (2007). Methodological fit in management field research. Academy of Management Review, 32, 1155-1179. Creswell, J.W. (2009). Research design. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches. Chap. 10: Mixed methods procedures. Locke, K., Golden-Biddle, K. & Feldman, M.S. (2008). Making doubt generative: Rethinking the role of doubt in the research process. Organization Science, 19, 907-918. Barley, S.R. (2006). When I write my masterpiece: Thoughts on what makes a paper interesting. Academy of Management Journal, 49, 16-20. Brutus, S., Aguinis, H. & Wassmer, U. (2013). Self-Reported Limitations and Future Directions in Scholarly Reports: Analysis and Recommendations, Journal of Management, 39, 48-75. Schmutz, J. B., Lei, Z., Eppich, W. J., & Manser, T. (2018). Reflection in the heat of the moment: The role of in‐action team reflexivity in health care emergency teams. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 39(6), 749–765. (Example of quantitative research) Bechky, B.A. & Okhyusen, G.A. (2011). Expecting the unexpected? How SWAT officers and film crews handle surprises. Academy of Management Journal, 54, 239-261. (Example of qualitative research) Session 2: Considering levels of analysis and time in study design; Discussion of participants' "model papers" Klein, K.J. & Kozlowski, S.W.J. (2000). Form Micro to Meso: Critical steps in conceptualizing and conducting multilevel research. Organizational Research Methods, 3, 211-236. Mitchell, T.R. & James, L.R. (2001). Building better theory: Time and the specification of when things happen. Academy of Management Review, 26, 530-547.
Learning Materials (Links)
- Main link
- Methods in Management Research 2020
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DR
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- ungraded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 15
- Signup End
- 25.02.2020
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar |
Methods in Management Research: Methodological Fit in Management Research
Block course
|
|
10 h semesterly |
Offered In
-
Doctoral Department of Management, Technology, and Economics (More Information at: )