Describe some potential harm that employees could experience as the result of participating in organizational research. How might a researcher mitigate these risks? Use examples to support your respon

MBA 5652, Research Methods 1 Cou rse Learning Outcomes for Unit VII Upon completion of this unit, students should be able to: 1. Discuss how research -based decision -making can directly affect organizational practices. 2. Examine the developmental components of the research process. 3. Compare and contrast the differences between qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. 4. Evaluate different types of research methods. 7. Test data for a business research project. 8. Synthesize the results of a research -based plan. 8.1 Interpret the results of the research project. 8.2 Create a comprehensive and professional final report of the research findings with recommendation s. Course/Unit Learning Outcomes Learning Activity 1 Unit VII Research Paper 2 Unit VII Research Paper 3 Unit VII Research Paper 4 Unit VII Research Paper 7 Unit VII Research Paper 8.1 Chapter 4 Unit VII Research Paper 8.2 Unit Lesson Chapter 4 Article: “ Writing a Research Report ” Unit VII Research Paper Reading Assignment Chapter 4: Writing Strategies and Ethical Considerations , pp. 75 -76, 89 -98 In order to access the following resource, click the link below: Writing a research report . (2009). Retrieved from https://researchrundowns.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/rrresearchreport_72009.pdf Unit Lesson Writing the Report After the statistical analysis is complete, it is time to write the final report. Although many of the components to be included in the research report already exist, the information must be communicated clearly and logically. This takes skill because the readers will likely never review much of the content included in the UNIT VII STUDY GUIDE Writing the Report MBA 5652, Research Methods 2 UNIT x STUDY GUIDE Title report. Often, those who read the reports are only interested in the explanation of results and recommendations. It would not be unusual for stakeholders to turn to these sections, entire ly neglecting the empirical data. Therefore, it is critical to understand the audience so the writing can appeal to those stakeholders who will read the report (e.g. , senior executives, middle managers, technical managers, researche rs, etc.) . If the audien ce is mixed, the best reporting strategy may be to prepare multiple repor ts to accommodate the various stakeholders. Although some researchers advocate producing a single report to satisfy the needs of all stakeholders, this is often not a suitable approac h due to varied interests in the study (Cooper & Schindler, 2014). For the report to be impactful, it should not be written at a level below or above the stakeholders’ understanding of the research project. Additionally, stakeholders may quickly lose inte rest if the report is overly technical or spends too much time reviewing known, superfluous, or irrelevant information. The best researchers are those who can communicate complicated subjects in a clear, organized, unambiguous, and objective report (Cooper & Schindler, 2014; Zikmund, Babin, Carr, & Griffin, 2013). This may be nearly as important as the results themselves. Even statistically significant results are inconsequential if the audience does not comprehend their relevance and usefulness. Report Fo rmat Considering the needs and expectations of the specific audience will dictate the components included in the final report. In addition to the needs of the specific audience, other factors that influence the report format include the research methodolo gy, size and complexity of the project, formality v ersus informality, long report versus short report, etc. However, some components are ubiquitous to most reports (Cooper & Schindler, 2014; Zikmund et al ., 2013). Typical components of a business research report include the following :  Title Page  Table of Contents  Executive Summary  Introduction  Statement of th e Problem s  Literature Review  Research Objectives  Research Questions and Hypotheses  Research Methodology, Design, and Methods  Data Analysis  Findings  Recommendations  References Ethical Considerations Regardless of whether a research study is for academic, government, or business purposes, researchers have an obligation to perform to the highest ethical standards. This is especially important since, in most organizational and business research studies, human beings are used as participants. Participants often include consumers, customers, and employees , and this, in and of itself, requires the utmost care in applying ethical standards. Respect for Persons, Beneficence, and Justice The Belmont Report , c reated by the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research, is widely adopted by academic, government, and business entities as the definitive standard for ethical conduct. The Belmont Report outlines three pillars of ethical standards : a) respect for persons, b) beneficence, and c) justice. These standards provide safeguards so research participants are knowledgeable about the benefits and risks of the studies in which they may participa te (Swanson & Holton , 2005). Although these standards play a mandatory role in academic and government research, organizational and business researchers should also design their studies so human participants do not endure physical harm or embarrassment from participation. Add itionally, research participants have a right to privacy, which may also be jeopardized if ethical guidelines are not adhered to (Cooper & Schindler, 2014). MBA 5652, Research Methods 3 UNIT x STUDY GUIDE Title Informed Consent, Confidentiality, Privacy, and Anonymity Researchers are duty bound to meet the obligations of the three key principles that guide ethical conduct: a) respect for persons, b) beneficence, and c) justice. Researchers who us e informed consent are formally adhering to the three principles. Informed consent shows respect for individuals b y keeping them fully informed about the process in which they are about to participate. Informed consent implies a concern for the individuals’ wellbeing and avoidance of harm and, therefore, beneficence. Finally, informed consent is a commitment that peop le will be treated fairly and ethically, or with justice. Employee -researchers, performing research within their own organizations can be especially problematic. To help avoid potential problems, informed consent should be provided, and confidentiality, p rivacy, and anonymity should be ensured. Oral consent is sufficient fo r most business research (Cooper & Schindler, 2014). Whether the consent is oral or written, the intent is to inform research participants of the benefits and risks. It is easy to adopt a laissez -faire attitude about following formal ethical standards within business research. Schlee and Van Duzer (2007) recomm end the standard practice of using non -disclosure and confidentiality agreements when using human participants and when handling any confidential and sensitive data. It is prudent for researchers to use non -disclosure and confidentiality agreements as privacy and intellectual property issues become more litigious. References Cooper, D. R., & Schindler, P. S. (2014 ). Business rese arch methods (12th ed.). New York , NY : McGraw - Hill /Irwin. Schlee , R. P., & Van Duzer , J. B. (2007). An examination of alternative approaches to the treatment of confidential information in live case projects. Marketing Education Review, 17 (2) , 71 –82. Swanson , R. A., & Holton , E. F. , III. (2005). Research in organizations: Foundations and methods of inquiry . San Francisco , CA : Berrett -Koehler. Zikmund, W. G., Babin, B. J., Carr, J. C., & Griffin, M. (2013). Business research methods (9th ed.). Mason, OH: Cengage. Suggested Reading The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office for Human Research Protections, provides a one - stop -shop for governmental guidelines for research involving human participants. The Belmont Report is codified in the subsequently produced Code of Federal Regulations, also known as the Common Rule. The Common Rule must be followed by many federal agencies, and it mandates additional protections for vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women, children, and pr isoners. Additionally, the Common Rule is frequently used as a guide for both university research and private business research. It is the gold standard for regulating research involving human participants. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. ( n.d .). Office for Human Research Protections . Retrieved from https://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/ U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. ( 19 79). The Belmont Report . Ret rieved from https://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/sites/default/files/the -belmont -report -508c_FINAL.pdf