Believability in Business Research As Term Paper

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Scientific and empirical research take time, and therefore detracts from the timeliness of such research. However, the truth level in such research is higher than in research that takes less time and is therefore more timely. The author points out that these are not the only factors involved in the quality of a piece, and that the purpose of publication should also be kept in mind when assessing the quality of a work. A persuasive piece of literature will therefore entail a lower level of absolute truth than a piece that addresses more than one side of an issue without bias.

This is where increasing access to sources such as the Internet provides the researcher with a valuable tool for assessing believability. Materials can for example be broadly investigated and cross-checked against others for consistency in content regarding a specific issue.

Another valuable tool, according to Kmetz, is the elements represented by the acronym MAGIC. The five elements include magnitude, articulation, generality, interestingness and credibility. Specifically, elements relating to the truth include generality and credibility. Generality relates to the unbiased focus of the publication, while credibility refers to the empirical research upon which it is based.

Oulton's suggestions for evaluating sources is somewhat more simple than the one above. Indeed, he offers that at the simplest level, all that is needed is a relatively true representation of the situation being studied. In this, he mentions many of the same criteria mentioned above, such as the adequate consideration of the area concerned, the likelihood of bias, and the relevance of the research.

Another important point mentioned by this author is standard. Different sources and their purposes will adhere to different standards in different areas. The popular press mentioned above, for example, adheres to very high standards of writing, but with a fairly low concentration upon empirical research. Oulton also summarizes the criteria for believability in relativity to the objectives of the study, validity, reliability, generalizability.

While therefore not using various types of literature to investigate the ways in which truth may be presented, Oulton highlights the core requirements of believability.
In my own view, I agree with the authors that there is a variety of levels at which truth may be investigated in management literature. Furthermore, an important point to consider in terms of currency is that the business world as well as management theory is changing rapidly. Elements such as electronic and communication advances, globalization and intercultural trade have not only changed the way in which the Western world does business, but also that of the East. Traditional values have been replaced or supplemented by an integration of various cultures. In this way, traditional business values in all parts of the world can no longer be seen as entirely valid. Instead, a respect for cultural variety and bias have changed management philosophy and literature.

In the light of the above, the researcher could consider the question of truth itself. The fact that the business world fluctuates makes it difficult to pinpoint the "truth." While in the past empirical research and traditional literature may have held true for decades, this is no longer the case. Literature that focuses on current events to a greater extent than on empirical research might therefore be more valid for the business world of today. The truths advocated by such publications is not only incomplete, but also flexible. These characteristics make it the most relevant to the business world today. For this reason, their believability level is the highest, although the "truth" as such may not be at a very high level. The emphasis today is on change rather than stability; the same is relevant to the concept of truth.

Sources

Kmetz, John. A Consumer's Guide to the Business and Management Literature. University of Delaware

http://www.buec.udel.edu/kmetzj/PDF/Chapter1.pdf

Oulton, Tony. Management research for information. Library Management, 1995. Vol.16, Iss. 5; pg. 75-81.....

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