Weekly Discussions Are Designed To Reinforce Learning
The Discussions Each Week Are Designed To A Reinforce The Research T
The discussions each week are designed to (a) reinforce the research topics that you are reading about, (b) challenge you to explore the topics further, and (c) test your understanding of the concepts and their application within business research. Before beginning work on this week’s discussion post, review the following resources: Doing Discussion Questions Right Expanded Grading Rubric. From the bullet point list below, select one topic for which you will lead the discussion in the forum this week. Early in the week, reserve your selected topic by posting your response (reservation post) to the Discussion Area and identifying your topic in the subject line. By the due date assigned, research your topic and start a scholarly conversation as you respond with your initial or primary post to your own reservation post in the Discussion Area.
Make sure your response does not duplicate your colleagues’ responses: For this course, you should state your topic (reservation post) as a research question. By now in your doctoral program, you should be aware that a good research question is the start of doctoral-level inquiry. You can summarize the key themes in the subject line of your reservation post. Then, state your research question as your reservation post. Some of the main topics this week include: Planned change. Other potential topics and subtopics exist in the readings.
Remember to be very specific with the topic you choose and the question you create (e.g., which aspect of planned change or what is it about action research that you will analyze? Is there another topic you have studied in one of your courses that you will synthesize with your OD/change topic for this week?). As the beginning of a scholarly conversation, your initial post should be: Succinct—no more than 500 words. Provocative—use concepts and combinations of concepts from the readings to propose relationships, causes, and/or consequences that inspire others to engage (inquire, learn). In other words, take a scholarly stand.
Supported—scholarly conversations are more than opinions. Ideas, statements, and conclusions are supported by clear research and citations from course materials as well as other credible, peer-reviewed resources. Engage in a discussion with at least two colleagues and respond to questions from your professor by the end of the week.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Business research is an essential aspect of organizational development and change management. The process of engaging students and scholars in scholarly conversations about research topics ensures the development of critical thinking, analytical skills, and application of theoretical concepts to real-world challenges. This paper discusses the importance of selecting a research question related to planned change within organizational settings, and how such inquiries foster deeper understanding and practical insights.
The Significance of a Well-Formulated Research Question
A fundamental aspect of doctoral research is the formulation of a clear, specific, and provocative research question. The question serves as the foundation for inquiry, guiding the collection and analysis of data. As suggested by Creswell (2014), a well-crafted research question should be concise, focused, and intriguing enough to stimulate scholarly debate. For example, rather than investigating "change initiatives," a more precise question might explore "how employee resistance impacts the success of planned change initiatives in healthcare organizations." Such specificity enables targeted investigation and meaningful conclusions.
Engaging in Scholarly Discussions on Planned Change
Planned change, as a core topic in business research, encompasses various subtopics including models of change, resistance management, leadership roles, and organizational culture. Exploring how organizations implement change strategies offers valuable insights. For instance, Kotter’s (1997) eight-step change model provides a framework for understanding successful change. A research question might examine "What role does leadership communication play in reducing resistance during organizational change processes?" Engaging with colleagues on such questions encourages diverse perspectives and enhances critical analysis.
Developing a Provocative and Supported Post
To foster an engaging scholarly conversation, initial posts should be provocative, posing hypotheses, relationships, or causes that invite further inquiry. For example, one could argue that "transformational leadership is essential for overcoming resistance in planned change, but its effectiveness depends on organizational culture." Supporting this stance requires integrating literature such as Burns (1978) on transformational leadership and Lewin’s (1947) change model, which emphasizes unfreezing and refreezing stages.
Responding to Colleagues and Building Knowledge
Constructive engagement with peers involves responding to at least two colleagues' posts, offering insights, raising questions, or proposing alternative viewpoints. Such interactions deepen the scholarly conversation, promote critical thinking, and enhance understanding of complex change phenomena. Responding thoughtfully to others’ research questions and findings encourages continuous learning and inquiry.
Conclusion
Effective participation in weekly discussions involves selecting a focused research question related to planned change, presenting a provocative argument supported by scholarly sources, and engaging with colleagues’ perspectives. This iterative process nurtures doctoral learners’ research acumen and fosters a vibrant scholarly community committed to advancing knowledge in organizational change management.
References
- Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. Sage Publications.
- Kotter, J. P. (1997). Leading Change. Harvard Business Review Press.
- Lewin, K. (1947). Frontiers in group dynamics: Concept, method and reality in social science; social equilibria and social change. Human Relations, 1(1), 5-41.
- Burns, J. M. (1978). Leadership. Harper & Row.
- Robson, C. (2011). Real World Research. Wiley.
- Yin, R. K. (2014). Case Study Research: Design and Methods. Sage Publications.
- Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods. Sage Publications.
- Schwandt, T. A. (2014). The SAGE Dictionary of Qualitative Inquiry. Sage Publications.
- Argyris, C., & Schön, D. A. (1996). Organizational Learning II. Addison-Wesley.
- March, J. G., & Simon, H. A. (1958). Organizations. John Wiley & Sons.