Theoretical Framework Options for a Research Problem

¶ … water infrastructure management in the Caribbean. One possible approach to understand this topic is that of systems theory, which would focuses on how changes in 'systems' delivery could be used to improve services but also to target how and why critical failures might occur in this arena. "A system is a collection of part unified to accomplish an overall goal. If one part of the system is removed, the nature of the system is changed as well" (McNamara 2001). Changes in political and economic systems can have a profound impact on the ability of a population to receive sanitary and regular access to water. Systems theory is based upon the concept that the whole is bigger than the sum of its parts. Even if people may want and need access to water and logically politicians should respond to public pressures, there may be critical aspects of the supply chain which impede access. Simply focusing on the links of the chain of the system of water delivery is not enough; people must consider how the chain actually operates.

Another possible theory is that of change theory, specifically Kurt Lewin's three-stage theory of organizational change. Lewin stated that change must first come as a process of 'unfreezing' or convincing critical stakeholders of the need for change. People are naturally change-resistant and unless a compelling case can be made for change, they will not be on board for the uncomfortable process of generating meaningful shifts in the ways that they do things. The next stage is the actual change phase, actually instituting the positive changes and ensuring that they 'stick.' Finally, during the refreezing phase, the changes are solidified so they can become standard operating procedures ("Change theory," 2011). This offers a structure as to how changes can occur in the water systems in critically underserved areas: change must come to the political system that oversees its delivery but a theory of change must support how the change is orchestrated.

Q2. How will your choice(s) of theoretical frameworks affect the manner in which you conduct your research?

My topic will likely require a mixed methods approach of both qualitative and quantitative data: I will need to speak to the affected people and use interviews; study historical patterns in terms of water delivery; and also use numerical, scientific data regarding water quality to track patterns of improvement. The extent to which qualitative vs. quantitative data is needed or emphasized will affect my patterns of data-gathering. If I am focusing on systems failure in leadership and management, I will need to see if there is hard, quantitative evidence that water quality and delivery systems have been impacted by systemic failures. This will involve more factual and objective research.