Week+2

= Research Methodologies and Theoretical Frameworks =



Following our review of frameworks and methods, consider this interpretation of the postmodern condition:
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Postmodern shifts:
====As discussed in class, definitions of postmodernism vary widely, but in a philosophical context we can identify aspects of a large scale movement in postmodern thought (in terms of both era and mode) that serves the purposes of our analytical efforts. The process of critically examining complex issues and problems is influenced greatly by the theoretical frameworks or lenses that we use to guide our investigations. Common characteristics are perceivable in a number of frameworks (for instance, various strains of critical theory, feminist theory, systems theory, and a host of others) that can be qualified as postmodern in nature. Philosophically speaking, among these characteristics are a holistic and interdisciplinary approach that favors the practical over the theoretical, recognizes the importance of context, acknowledges the relative nature of perspectives and contested meanings, honors the roles of language, discourse, power and conflict in generating outcomes, and challenges conventional notions of conclusive truths and modern conceptualizations of analytical neutrality (Miller & Jensen, 2009). This is resonant with the emerging relational view of leadership that has signaled a shift in analytical methods concerning the study of organizational behavior. Put simply for the purposes of this project, a postmodern approach toward critical analysis can enable a more in-depth and pragmatically skeptical investigation of contextual considerations, guiding assumptions, tension areas, power struggles and contested meanings surrounding your problem focus.====

====Although this project does not require you to engage in an entirely formal research study, it is nonetheless important and valuable to keep in mind the primary differences between quantitative and qualitative methodologies that apply to your investigations. For example, quantitative methodologies seek to make generalizations about a population based on the study of a population sample, using easily measurable forms of data that can be analyzed mathematically to yield conclusions in statistical terms. In contrast, qualitative methodologies (which focus on specific groups, situations or phenomena, often using case studies) involve data in the form of personal testimony collected through interviews that is by nature not easily measurable or conducive to making generalizations, though qualitative data can be effectively coded to reveal trends among subjects in a specific case. These unique methodologies use different means of collecting data, along with determining validity and reliability differently, but both approaches can be equally useful. Depending on the type of information that would be worth seeking in your investigation, existing studies published in scholarly journals using either methodology (or both, in the case of mixed-method studies) could provide meaningful insight and useful information concerning your critical analysis of a unique organizational problem.==== =Instructions for Week 2 tasks:=

2) Discussion posts:
(Use the discussion area of this page to submit your posts)
 * ====Initial post (by mid-week): Create a thoughtful post explaining the most important thing that you took from this article.====

Is it important for organizational analysts to concern themselves with the revitalization of organizational life?

 * ====Response post (by week's end): Evaluate at least one of your classmate's arguments responding to this question.====

3) Writing assignment:
(Submit your document as a Word file in the Project Content Page by week's end)
 * ====Choose at least one of the frameworks reviewed by Casey to apply in your critical analysis of the key leadership challenge identified in your problem statement. This writing will represent a partial draft of your analysis section.====
 * ====Explain why your chosen framework(s) is/are justified and useful for critically analyzing the problem.====
 * ====How can the application of your chosen framework(s) aid your quest for additional information?====
 * ====How is the process of examining areas of tension and conflict, underlying assumptions, differing perspectives and contested meanings strengthened through applying the framework(s)?====
 * ====Explain how this process of applying theoretical framework(s) illuminates more contextual information, and/or if this process helps you refine and develop your problem statement and description of related background.====

Considerations:
 * Continue to stay focused on the process of clearly identifying and diagnosing the problem, rather than speculating about solutions.
 * Keep in mind that this analysis merits the use of critical (rather than neutral) voice in your writing, so review the sections of your study that you have completed thus far and revise them accordingly if merited.
 * Consider what types of published research studies (quantitative, qualitative or mixed-method) could provide meaningful information concerning your analysis of the research problem.
 * Next week, you will be asked to identify at least two research studies from scholarly sources to use in your analysis, so feel free to begin searching for worthwhile selections as you continue to analyze your problem.