Research Objectives

Conceptual Overview and Discussion

The first step in setting up a research project is to map the project context by answering the following questions: Which problems are involved within the project context? Whose problems are they? The second step is to formulate an effective research objective, which provides the necessary information to solve the problem. An effective research objective is useful, feasible, unambiguous, and informative.

A useful research objective in a theory-oriented research project indicates how the research project will contribute to solving a theoretical set of problems. In a practice-oriented research project the research objective states how the research project will be of relevance to the organization or the institute that is enabling the research project.

Feasibility refers to how accessible the necessary knowledge and resources are. In addition, it is important that the research project can be finished within the time allotted. If it concerns an academic bachelor's, master's, or PhD thesis, feasibility is often related to the time allocated to the project by the educational institute. The feasibility of a practice-oriented research project depends on the constraints set by the organization in which the research will be carried out.

An unambiguous research objective implies a precise indication of the project's contribution to solving the theoretical or practical problem. This [Page 817]contribution can vary widely, depending on the nature of the research project. For example, a theory-oriented research project might contribute toward the development of a new theory or toward the improvement of a theoretical view. A practice-oriented research project, for example, might clarify a policy problem, identify bottlenecks in organizational change, or make recommendations for improving an existing problematic situation.

An informative research objective gives a general idea of the knowledge the research project will generate in order to contribute toward finding a solution. Please note that a more exact definition of the knowledge required will be provided in the set of research questions and subquestions presented later in this entry.

Piet Verschuren and Hans Doorewaard introduced a very helpful formula to verbalize a useful, feasible, clear, and informative research objective. This formula is:

The (a) part presents, in a comprehensive way, the unmistakable description of how the research project can contribute to finding a solution of the theoretical or organizational problem described in the project context. The (b) part of this formula gives a clear description of the way this will be obtained.

Project Context

In Organization Y, Human Resources Manager X experiences substantial problems in regard to the role of the company medical officer in work-related conflicts. Employees often consult the company medical officer when suffering from illnesses that are obviously related to conflicts between the employees and their superiors. The company medical officer will find himself or herself in a double-bind position between loyalty toward the organization and the care of the patients. Which role can the company medical officer best play in these conflicts?

...