Without adapting both instruments and the analyses of responses based on some level of assessment of the cultural values and interpretations, results (especially from qualitative research instruments such as the proposed questionnaires and interviews that will be most effective in this research) are likely to be less accurate and are certain to be less meaningful to the organization in question (Stahl & Bjorkman 2006). Taking into account cultural diversity as well as other types of personal values and beliefs that might affect results is necessary to ensure that the information collected is reliable and remains meaningful through interpretation (Stahl & Bjorkman 2006).
There are also other more mundane factors that must be controlled in order to ensure that adequate amounts of reliable information are gathered in the research process. Proper foresight and knowledge regarding statistical techniques and demands during the gathering of data is necessary, such that reliable conclusions can be drawn from a sizeable and diverse population of respondents (Bharracharyya 2007). The attributes and tenacity of the researcher will also be key elements in acquiring the necessary data for truly successful and meaningful research to be carried out, as there are likely to be several barriers to achieving a high enough degree of response form research respondents (HR Guide 2001).
1.3 Scope and Feasibility
It is for this reason that the scope of this study must remain somewhat flexible until all parameters of the research question have been made more definite. One the precise nature of the information being sought has been made more clear, the scope of the research...
Regardless, it will be necessary to include individuals form as many different levels within the organization as is possible, in order to form a comprehensive and accurate view of the human resource system that is in place. This means that the scope of this research will already be somewhat broad, and thus it will also take a longer period of time than a more simplistic and focused piece of research. Without being more specifically defined, then, it can be safely said that the scope of this research will be relatively extensive when compared to other pieces of company-specific research.
This does not mean that the feasibility of this research will actually be diminished, however; despite the more extensive scope that this research entails, it is still fairly easy to accomplish given a long enough period of time and access to adequate research materials and other resources. For the most part, these resources will consist of little more than computer hardware and software for the inputting and analysis of data, as well as the means to distribute, administer, and collect the data collection instruments. All of this is fairly basic and starightforward in terms of the conducting of qualitative research with human subjects (Bharracharyya 2007).
References
Bharracharyya, D. (2007). Human resource research methods. New York: Oxford University Press.
HR Guide. (2001). Job analysis. Accessed 31 January 2011. http://www.hr-guide.com/data/G012.htm
Stahl, G. & Bjorkman, I. (2006). Handbook of research in international human resource management. Northampton, MA: Edward Elgar Publishing.
