364-1020-01L  Methods in Management Research: Methodological Fit in Management Research

SemesterSpring Semester 2020
LecturersJ. Schmutz
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish
CommentNumber of participants limited to 15.


AbstractThis module covers basic issues of study design, such as definition of concepts/variables, choice of data collection and data analysis methods, validity and its limitations, and embedding research in existing paradigms/scientific communities.
Learning objectiveThe module aims to support students in
- understanding the key elements of study design and the choices related to each
- knowing and being able to apply criteria for the validity of empirical research
- discussing methodological issues in relation to their own research
ContentBasic approaches to empirical inquiry (deduction, induction, abduction) and their relation to methodological perspectives (qualitative, quantitative, mixed) are discussed. Different types of validity of empirical research are introduced and applied to different methods for data collection and analysis. Consideration of levels of analysis and treatment of time are discussed as two additional key requirements in study design. The concepts introduced in the course are applied to pertinent examples of published research.
LiteratureSession 1:

Choices in study design and validity criteria
Scandura, T.A. & Williams, E.A. (2000). Research methodology in management: Current practices, trends, and implications for future research. Academy of Management Journal, 43, 1248-1264.

Edmondson, A.C. & McManus, S.E. (2007). Methodological fit in management field research. Academy of Management Review, 32, 1155-1179.

Creswell, J.W. (2009). Research design. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches. Chap. 10: Mixed methods procedures.

Locke, K., Golden-Biddle, K. & Feldman, M.S. (2008). Making doubt generative: Rethinking the role of doubt in the research process. Organization Science, 19, 907-918.

Barley, S.R. (2006). When I write my masterpiece: Thoughts on what makes a paper interesting. Academy of Management Journal, 49, 16-20.

Brutus, S., Aguinis, H. & Wassmer, U. (2013). Self-Reported Limitations and Future Directions in Scholarly Reports: Analysis and Recommendations, Journal of Management, 39, 48-75.

Schmutz, J. B., Lei, Z., Eppich, W. J., & Manser, T. (2018). Reflection in the heat of the moment: The role of in‐action team reflexivity in health care emergency teams. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 39(6), 749–765. (Example of quantitative research)

Bechky, B.A. & Okhyusen, G.A. (2011). Expecting the unexpected? How SWAT officers and film crews handle surprises. Academy of Management Journal, 54, 239-261. (Example of qualitative research)


Session 2: Considering levels of analysis and time in study design; Discussion of participants' "model papers"

Klein, K.J. & Kozlowski, S.W.J. (2000). Form Micro to Meso: Critical steps in conceptualizing and conducting multilevel research. Organizational Research Methods, 3, 211-236.

Mitchell, T.R. & James, L.R. (2001). Building better theory: Time and the specification of when things happen. Academy of Management Review, 26, 530-547.
Prerequisites / NoticeThere will be three assignments: (1) Prepare a written short summary and moderate discussion on one paper from course readings (1-2 persons); (2) Prepare short presentation of "model paper" focusing on your methods for your own research for general discussion (individually); (3) Read all course papers as basis for discussion in class.