The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the nature of communication processes of members in small consulting organizations with regard to the use of accurate information in a virtual community of practice. The problem was the superficial and often inaccurate nature of virtualinformation, which is characterized by ambiguity, lack of depth, unverified sources, and anonymity (Memmi, 2006). The nature of online communication in business setting is a problem because information that is not correct could have negative ramifications in the credibility of the business.
This chapter includes the methodology and research design of the study. The chapter is organized in the following sections: (a) research design and design appropriateness;
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RQ2: How does the use of internal communication compare to the use of external communication in a virtual community with respect to sharing of professional knowledge?
RQ3: What are the perceived advantages and disadvantages of implementing a virtual community of practice in a virtual consulting organization?
A qualitative case study research design was appropriate because the design allows flexibility in the use of different data types (Yin, 2010). The research design was also appropriate because the research questions for the study required a comprehensive use of multiple data collection sources. An exploratory case study design was employed because no definitive outcome wasexpected or required from the study. An exploratory approach was necessary to generate results that were rich, detailed, and provisional. A qualitative case methodology was the most suitable choice for investigating information technology, such as small consulting
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Based on the data and the purpose of the study, a number of possible analytic technique combinations might have been appropriate for conducting the data analysis. A qualitative case study can be conducted using grounded theory, phenomenology, content analysis (interview transcripts), or elements of all three methods.The purpose of the phenomenological method is to obtain the in-depth, lived experiences and perceptions of the participants (Strauss & Corbin, 2007); however, the phenomenological research method does not typically use noninterview data types, suchas were included in this study. Grounded theory would have been appropriate if the purpose of the study was to build a broad theory from the results, rather than as rich data methodologywith the added depth desired to support and expound upon the quantitative portion of the study.The study involved determining the following:
1. The perceptions of the employees and administrators in a small organization regarding virtual communities of
The Internet has come into people’s life for several decades now. With rapid development of technology, it is more and more convenient to talk with families, friends and even strangers at any time at any place through the internet. In virtual communities is a place to share personal ideas on any topics, technology, fashion, music, politics, sports and religion. There are a number of different communities, such as communities of
For this research article the author has chosen to use a grounded theory approach. Grounded theory is a qualitative method of research which allows the researchers to construct meaning of the selected topic via a process of development and reflection of the data collected (Charmaz, 2014). Grounded theory provides a flexible and intuitive process to data collection and analysis allowing the construction of a theory that is truly grounded from the data (Charmaz, 2014).
A qualitative methodological approach was the obvious choice in that it allows for the collection and interpretation of stories, narratives, interviews and other forms of non-quantifiable data. A qualitative approach also does not demand or strive for detached objectivity of the researcher but instead encourages the disclosure of researcher bias and the engagement of the researcher with the research and subjects, often in the role of participant-observer (Dade, Tartakov, Hargrave, & Leigh,
This article is an excellent example of work that is based on grounded theory and demonstrates the ways in which qualitative research provides the kind of rich data that are often lacking when a quantitative study is used. This is not to say that either qualitative or quantitative studies are better than each other. Rather, these different types of studies provide different types of data, and these different types of data provide answers to different types of questions.
Within this assignment we are asked to identify if the research article that we choose for this unit is either a phenomenological approach or a generic qualitative approach was used, and then describe the physiognomies the evidence to support the identification. We then must explain and identify the main phenomenon that was under investigation in the research; describe the qualitative approach to analyzing the data in this study; describe what the data collection process as well as the role of the researcher; and evaluate the scientific merit of the selected approach. Next we will discuss how did the approach we used (either phenomenology or generic qualitative) help the researcher to answer the research question, and how differently might we have designed the research study differently?
The data collected through the interviews shall be analyzed by applying grounded theory approach. The interview transcript shall be analyzed through open coding by following steps:
The reason grounded theory has been chosen is because it allows for the theory to be constructed, and derived from data collected during the research process and not prior to beginning the research. This process allows for the researcher and coder to see everything clear for the first-time because this methodology is ideal for explorative research of a new, or relatively new social experience (Kabat-Zinn,
The methodological approach adopted for this research will be grounded theory. The reason it would be a better suited approach for this study is due to some features of grounded theory that matches with the salient features of the research topic as depicted in Figure 1. Of the two popular approaches to grounded theory, this research would follow the systematic procedures of Strauss and Corbin (1990, 1998) as the intention of this research is to systematically develop a theory that explains the
Aggregate results for the questions indicated generally positive attitudes on the part of the participants regarding their role in virtual teams and related activities. However, individual responses indicated some variation. Questions four and five pertained to employee understandings of their role in the organization and whether information relating to their tasks were clear. Responses for question four indicated that approximately 28 of the participants agreed with the statement that organizational duties were clear in virtual teams. Another 26 strongly agreed with the statement while only 1 and 2 of participants, respectively, responded that they strongly disagreed or disagreed with the statements. Similarly, 30 of respondents indicated that they agreed that information was clearly stated and explanatory for their employees` relevant tasks. 17 strongly agreed with the statement while 3 and 9 disagreed and strongly disagreed. Question 6 asked participants if
This paper will provide a hypothetical discussion of how each of the four “worldviews” (post-positivism, constructivism, advocacy/participatory, and pragmatism) might apply to the proposed study. It will refer to the topic paper developed during the class RSH9101B (Research Topic, Problem, Purpose, and Questions) with the assistance of Dr. Kenneth Gossett, class mentor. The portion of the Topic Paper to be used will be the problem statement, which will provide the foundation for this discussion and completion of this assignment. This discussion ultimately will lead to the strengthening of this research and the understanding for the need of better researches to help today’s virtual organizations.
When utilizing a qualitative approach, the task becomes one of determining the qualitative method to be used. Additionally, Stake (2010) used purpose, research design, and methodical data techniques as a way of classifying types of qualitative research. Similarly, Cresswell & Cresswell (2007) spoke of five practices of qualitative research. These five practices consist of biography, phenomenological study, grounded theory study, ethnography, and case study. This researcher chose a phenomenological study for this research project.
This is important in order to gain data that is qualitative, that should give an account of views and emotions. The grounded theory approach also involves theoretical sampling which investigates incidents, and populations, therefore this tells us that the method used was relevant to this study. A theory should then that stem from the data, this concept was correct in this case, as several themes emerged from the results. The data is analysed as it is collected using interviews, or observations (Punch 1998 cited in Bell 2008). The researcher’s methods related to the grounded theory approach, as indicated.
The virtual community has expanded around the and now positively affects everyday social life by helping some to find companionship, social interactions, and discovering one 's personal identity.
This chapter presents a list of research methods that I have used for the first case study and plan to use for the second and third case studies as well. I will utilize research through design and qualitative research practices to answer the research question of the thesis. Below I give a brief overview of both the practices and how I execute them in the design and study.
There are different methods to collect data from qualitative research, this includes visual analysis from videos or books, observations and individual or group interviews (Gill et al., 2008). Based on the given article on qualitative research, the article mentioned that it uses case study approach for their research. Robson (1993) define case study as “a strategy for doing research which involves an empirical investigation of a particular contemporary phenomenon within its real life context using multiple sources of evidence”. Based on Zainal (2007), only a limited number of individuals or a small geographical area as the subjects of study will be chosen to be involved in a case study research. Thus, this enables a researcher to closely examine