6 Simple Steps to Management Research Question for Your Management Thesis

Are you trying to write a thesis or dissertation on management dilemmas that are faced at work?

So, the first thing to do is to form a research question so that your study can have a direction for the solution of the problem.

Don’t know how to form a management research question? You’re so lucky that you found us!

But before we tell you how to formulate a good management problem study question, let’s first clear up what management research is?

Management research is a study about the management or an organization. It tries to study the problems in the management or an organization and how can a solution be provided to solve the issue through a step-by-step hierarchy of questions.

Why do you need to study management research?

As a student preparing yourself for the real world and the dilemmas that you will face there, you need to study the mindset of a manager and the process he takes to solve a problem. The same will be incorporated in your thesis or dissertation.

Today’s managers have an increasing need to take the assistance of scientific methods to help them in decision making. They find that it is more effective to study all the options for the solution of a problem that are available to them, evaluate them accordingly and then select the best possible course of action.

6 Smart and Simple Steps to Solve Your Management Dilemma at Work

There are six steps to the management research question hierarchy for a management dilemma that can be faced at work.

Step 1: Management Dilemma:

Here you try to answer that what factors have resulted in the current problem? What environmental factors have stimulated the issue?

Example:

An increased number of complaints have been received regarding a product due to delay in its delivery.

Step 2: Management Question:

How can management fully eliminate the factors that are causing this problem? How can they avail the opportunity?

Example:

What can be done so that the delay in delivery of the product does not occur again?

Step 3: Research Question:

By taking which course of action can the management eliminate the factors that are causing the problem? What course of action is available so that opportunity can be availed?

Example:

Should the delivery service be switched to another company?

Step 4: Investigative Question:

Which alternate is most suitable for the managers in order to avail the opportunity?

Example:

Which specific delivery company can be used for the delivery of this product?

Step 5: Measurement Question:

How can the questions be measured? What needs to be asked or observed for the information needed to solve the problem and the management research question?

Example:

What is the approximate delivery time of the best delivery company in the city?

Step 6: Management Decision:

Based on the findings gained from the research, what action course should the management take?

Example:

Based on the data gathered, should the company switch to a new delivery company or not?

By following these six steps successfully, you can now solve the management dilemma effectively.

Conclusion

Management research questions are crucial for understanding, analyzing, and solving complex issues in the world of business, organizations, and leadership. A well-crafted research question lays the foundation for meaningful and impactful studies, guiding the research process and ensuring that findings contribute to both academic theory and practical application.

By focusing on areas like organizational behavior, leadership strategies, marketing trends, or financial management, students and researchers can address real-world problems, enhance business practices, and contribute to the evolving field of management. Whether you’re examining global business challenges or localized organizational issues, crafting specific, actionable, and researchable questions is key to producing valuable insights.

FAQs on Management Research Questions

1. What is a management research question?

A management research question is a clear, focused, and specific inquiry that guides a research study in the field of management. It identifies a problem or area of interest, providing direction for data collection, analysis, and conclusions.

2. How do I create a strong management research question?

To create a strong question, ensure it is:

• Specific: Focused on a particular issue or area.
• Researchable: Feasible within the available resources and time.
• Relevant: Addresses current trends, challenges, or gaps in management theory or practice.
• Clear: Easily understood and unambiguous.

3. What are some examples of management research questions?

• How does organizational culture affect employee retention in multinational companies?
• What are the challenges of implementing remote work policies in the UK?
• How does corporate social responsibility impact consumer purchasing decisions in Europe?
• What leadership styles are most effective during times of crisis?

4. Why is choosing the right research question important?

The research question is the foundation of your study. A well-defined question ensures clarity, focus, and relevance, guiding the methodology and ensuring the findings address a specific problem or contribute to existing knowledge.

5. What fields within management can research questions focus on?

Management research questions can address various fields, including:

• Leadership and Organizational Behavior
• Human Resource Management
• Marketing and Consumer Behavior
• Financial Management and Corporate Strategy
• Supply Chain and Operations Management
• Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility

By crafting precise and insightful research questions, you can contribute to advancing management practices and solving pressing organizational challenges.