Ethics in Business Research Methods

This assignment delves into the crucial topic of ethics in business research methods. It examines various ethical issues that arise during different stages of the research process, such as data collection, analysis, and reporting. Students are tasked with understanding the importance of ethical conduct in research and applying relevant ethical theories to address potential challenges. The assignment draws upon a range of scholarly sources, including books and journal articles, to provide a comprehensive understanding of ethical considerations in business research.

Applied Business Research
and Ethics
Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.............................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................1
LITERATURE REVIEW ...............................................................................................................1
RESEARCH QUESTION AND OBJECTIVES ............................................................................3
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ....................................................................................................4
RECOMMENDATIONS ABOUT SAMPLE UNIT ......................................................................6
DISCUSSION ABOUT DATA ......................................................................................................7
VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY ..................................................................................................7
CONCLUSION ...............................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES ...............................................................................................................................8

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
An applied business research is a kind of inquiry that is related to the particular business
firm and some facilities required in the decision making at managerial level. Ethics is very
important factor in business. XYZ Social network company is a large and private organisation. It
provides the online services to people from all over the world. This organisation conducts its
business under the ethical considerations. In this research project some methodological
approaches like descriptive, inductive, random sampling has been used by researcher with their
proper justification so that research question can be resolved.
INTRODUCTION
Ethics are some set of standards which can direct the behaviour of people at workplace that
how they have to perform their operations in a specified boundary. There are some morale
principles that should be followed by a company so that they will be able to ensure the smooth
functioning at their workplace. Business organization conducted ethical practices so that they can
protect the rights of every individual and their safety behaviour (Bryman and Bell, 2015). The
present report is based on some XYZ social network who wants to conduct a market survey in
order to identify different types of smells which can impact the users for updating their own
page. In this context, a research design has been explained which should be followed by an
individual so that survey has been conducted and ethical practices can also be ensured. Further,
some methodological approaches have been explained with their justification that how this will
be appropriate for this research. In this present research report mentions about the various kinds
of ethical considerations and the issues such as safety, secure the details of data and information
of people, internet and privacy, protect data of participants etc.
LITERATURE REVIEW
According to the views of Eriksson and Kovalainen (2015) business ethics are the principles
or morale values which can direct the organization that in what manner they have to behave.
Along with this, these principles can also be applied on the staff members who are working at an
enterprise so that their operations can be performed in an ethical way. By performing such kind
of practices, they will be able to distinguish between the right and wrong doing. After this, an
industry will be able to take the right choices which will help them in performing better and this
will lead them towards success. On the other hand, companies have to perform some roles and
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duties which will help them in minimising the harm to environment and damage to the
communities so that they can perform corporate social responsibilities in more appropriate
manner. More businesses are there which set their own principles and standards which can be
known as their core values. By following these values, an entity will be able to make their unique
identity in the market as compare to any other competitors.
Saunders (2011) explained that some organizations are there which conduct some
experiment on their users so that they will be able to change the needs of people. This is the
responsibility of company that they should have to follow some ethical practices at the time of
conducting any survey or experiment. As per the opinion of Fassin, Van Rossem and
Buelens ,2011, pp.425-453. when Facebook experiment on their users to changes the emotions of
people and due to this they get many negative comments and after that it was criticised by many
researchers that they didn’t follow an appropriate structure. So, in this way their research didn’t
give any advantage in the market as this was highly affected due to ethical practices. Sometimes,
these kind of practices can also help an industry in order to change the perceptions of people
regarding to their services and features of their social networking sites.
Dalton and Ortegren, 2011, pp.73-93 explained that there are some ethical theories that can
be used by the company in order to perform within a given or specified boundary. Some of these
theories are like descriptive and normative. Descriptive explain the morale behaviour of different
groups or society. In this, some values, ethical ideas, morale virtue or system. By following this,
an enterprise will be able to know that how they have to perform their actions in an appropriate
manner so that ethical objectives can be achieved. On the other hand, normative is based on a
concept that explain the correct way of doing any kind action. Through this, a manager will be
able to figure out the options that will explain the right or wrong action. After analysing this,
they can choose an option which is right so that they can perform well and their objectives can be
achieved. So, in this way it can be evaluated that ethical theories are the way through which
companies will be able to know the correct action in a given situation. All normative theories are
knowns as the traditional approaches which are based on traditional concepts. On the contrary, it
has been stated by Chabowski, Mena and Gonzalez-Padron 2011, pp.55-70 that traditional
theories are also divided into two parts one is consequentialists and non-consequentialists. The
first one is based on the judgement which will be taken on the outcome that is achieved by an
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individual after conducting an action. The another one is non-consequentialist which is not based
on the action but it is based on the principles.
As per the views of De Massis and Kotlar, 2014, pp.15-29 now a days, business
organizations uses internet in order to communicate with other people online. In this type, only
sense of hearing and sense of sight play an important role. But, now it is possible to sense,
receive or transmit the smell via internet. This kind of application is known as digital scent
technology which can be used by social networking sites in order to conduct an experiment that
how smell can impact the users in order to update their own page. On the contrary, it has been
identified by Chang, 2011, pp.361-370 that DigiScents is a media company which create a
technology through which scents can be broadcast on the web. Some principles have been
followed in this kind of application like principle of e-nose and sensing an ordant. In this kind of
application, senses have been recorded of a person and after that it is send to signal processing
unit. When all the processes have been completed then at the last smell can be transferred from
one media to another. XYZ social networking site can use this technology in order to identify the
smell that how this can affect the users in order to update their own pages. At the time of
conducting such experiment they have to follow some ethical practices which will help them in
achieving the objectives and targets.
It is necessary for XYZ social networking company to keep secure the data of people and
also follow the code of conduct. It is necessary for this company to increase the privacy and the
provide security to the details of people. This research report contains the security and the safety
of people. Because from the internet a person hacks the details and account of another person. It
is necessary for this company to keep the details of people confidential and also do not share
with any other person. On the basis of Puffer and McCarthy, 2011, pp.21-36. view point that the
security is the first priority of company. The Facebook does its business activities in an ethical
way. It is necessary for this company is to keep its intellectual property safe and secure with the
help of copy right, patent etc.
In context to it, the research is about the regular monitoring and controlling the business
activities and recruit those people who have knowledge about the XYZ social networking and
also provide them training so that they can give the good answer to the feedback of people.
It is necessary that manager should recruit the capable and also trustful staff members. From
this they can provide the good quality services and if there is any kind of query to customers then
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in this case they can give the good feedback to their participants. It is important that company
should not bias among all employees and them them equally. If there is any kind of bias or
discrimination among employees, then in this case they will not work well. The XYZ social
networking should use the human subjects protection act to protect the staff members of this
company. On the social networking sites, it is necessary for the management of company is to
provide the privacy option to people from which they can protect their information and data.
RESEARCH QUESTION AND OBJECTIVES
Whenever any business organization conducted experiment then they have to set some
objectives and purpose (What is Ethics in Research & Why is it Important?, 2016). By setting an
aim, all people will be able to know about the direction in which they have to perform their
operations. Some research objectives are there that are explained below:
 To investigate different types of smell that could impact the user in updating their own
page.
 To follow the ethical practices which can help the researcher in order to conduct the
investigation in smooth manner.
On the basis of above stated objectives or goals, appropriate questions can be framed which
needs to be resolved. These are like:
Q1. How Digital Scent Technology is effective in order to identify the impact on users in
identifying updating the pages?
Q2. How ethical practices can ensure smooth functioning at the time of conducting
experiment?
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Some research methodological approaches are there which can be used by an investigator in
order to conduct the experiment in an effective manner. This is a framework that is based on a
systematic procedure where all the operations are performed step by step. There are various
theories like descriptive, normative, consequentialists and non-consequentialists. In order to get
the knowledge about these theories, it is necessary for the researcher to conduct an in-depth
analysis of these so that overall investigation can be conducted . So, for this, descriptive research
design has been used by company so that different concepts of ethical practices can be analysed
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appropriately. This is the more significant design which will help XYZ social networking sites in
order to identify the impact of smell on users in updating their own page.
Some approaches are there which can be used by a researcher so that result can be achieved
without deviating the ethical norms and principles. Here, inductive has been followed through
which new effective theories can be developed that can help sin completing the project
appropriately. Along with this, interpretivism philosophies has been adopted by an investigator
so that human perceptions can be identified related to ethical practices which will be conducted
at the market area.
The data related to experiment will be collected from pdf some secondary sources like
books, journals, articles, newspapers, published sources on websites, blogs and so on Dion, 2012,
pp.4-24 . By gathering the information from such resources, its authenticity and validity can be
ensured which will help an investigator in order to attain goals. There are two types of
investigations like qualitative and quantitative which can be adopted by researcher at the time of
conducting analysis. In quantitative, some mathematical as well as statistical tools has been used
so that the accuracy can be ensured of the outcome. On the other hand, in qualitative information
can be attained by conducting some kind of survey on the people. Through this, it can be ensured
that result can be achieved after using the different methods which are appropriate for the current
analysis.
I will recommend some research design options to XYZ social networking company so that
they will be able to conduct an investigation that how smell can impact the users in updating
their pages. For this, when the firm will use digital scent technology then they have to ensure that
they will not share the information with other unauthorised users. Some of these options are like
informed participant consent, confidentiality of records, continuous monitoring of results,
integrity, project of participants, professional conduct, code or practices, legality and human
subject protection. The consent form should be filled by all the participants who are associated
with the project in an effective manner. Through this, an enterprise will be able to ensure the
ethical practices at the workplace and experiment will also be conducted in an appropriate
manner.
It is very necessary for an industry to maintain the confidentiality of files in which
information has been recorded of participants and company’s policies (Wolbring, 2012, pp.293-
309). The data should be recorded at safe place so that confidentiality can be ensured and due to
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which other unauthorised person will not be able to access the data. Honesty is the powerful tool
that can help the higher authority in order to conduct the practices in ethical manner. Some code
of practices is there which should be set by the industry in order to restrict the actions which are
performed by staff members at the workplace. Through this, they will be able to maintain their
level of ethical practices which will help them in improving their brand image. There are some
legal laws that are made by state government which should be followed by the company so that
they can ensure smooth functioning. By adopting the legality, it can be ensured that overall
investigation can be conducted in an appropriate manner. Further, human protection should also
necessary at the time of performing the experimental as through this they will be able to attain
their goals in ethical manner. So, all these approaches are necessary for the research that will be
conducted on the users so that positive and negative behaviour can be evaluated at the time of
updating their own page at social networking sites.
RECOMMENDATIONS ABOUT SAMPLE UNIT
When XYZ social networking site will conduct experiment on its users that how they will
get affected due to the smell and on the basis of which they will not be able to update their own
page. For such kind of investigation, they have to follow an effective sampling approach so that
they can achieve their goals. Sampling is a kind of technique that will be used by an investigator
so that they will be able to select a unit from the whole population (Van Wee and Roeser, 2013,
pp.743-760). This is the most appropriate method through which it can be ensured that effective
result or responses will be gathered from the people who uses the respective social networking
site. There are two types of techniques like probabilistic and non-probabilistic. In the first one, a
criteria or probability has been set so that an effective outcome can be achieved and in the
another one no criteria will be set so randomly respondents will be picked for the investigation.
Here, in the current experiment random sampling technique has been used by the researcher
so that they will be able to pick more frequent users of respective social networking sites. Here,
50 sampling unit is selected for the survey so that effective result will be get in an appropriate
manner. This method is more appropriate for the current investigation because there are many
users of the social networking sites who has created their page (Fassin, Van Rossem and
Buelens, 2011). So, it will not be possible for the investigator to conduct the survey on all users
so random technique is more effective which can help them in achieving the goals.
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Some research issues have been identified which are related to ethics and these issues should
be resolved so that it can be evaluated easily that how smell can affect users in updating their
page on social networking site (Saunders, 2011). Some of the research ethics practices are like:
 When an enterprise will use a software then they have to configure it with the company’s
name otherwise this will be act like an unethical action. Along with this, the current
applications have to use for the right actions so that their image will not get affected in
negative manner.
 When any information will be collected from secondary sources then it is the
responsibility of researcher to give the access to the respective writers so that it will act
like an unethical action. Through this, effective information can be drawn which will help
an investigator in achieving the targets in respective manner.
 Sometimes, when an organization stored their data on such application software then
some unauthorised users can access that information which can violate the privacy of
practitioners. This needs to be considered by the investigator that they have to kept the
information safe in database where relevant data can be retrieved and updated.
 When the survey has been conducted on the end users then it is the responsibility of
researcher not to force any respondent to give the answer. Along with this, their personal
information should be kept personal and secured at a place where no one will be able to
access the data.
DISCUSSION ABOUT DATA
The data will be collected on the basis of two kind of resources like primary and
secondary. Primary is the kind of first-hand information which is not published anywhere and
this can be collected on the basis of some surveys like questionnaire, interview, observation,
focus group etc. These all are more effective as through these effective result can be get which
will help the investigator in achieving the objectives. On the other hand, secondary resources are
related to the published sources like journals, books, articles and so on. Through these, the more
authenticate data can be gained which can help the researcher in completing the survey.
Here, in the current experimental approach, overall investigation has been performed on the
basis of secondary data. In this, some questions have been formed which are more appropriate
for the research and ethical topic (Eriksson and Kovalainen, 2015). These all questions are asked
by the investigator to their respondents so that they will be able to resolve the issue that how
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effectiveness of the business ethics practices. At the end, research objectives can be attained that
smell can affect the users and they will not be able to update their own page.
The data analysis has been conducted on the basis of qualitative type of investigation where
different themes are formed on the basis of responses of different authors. Here, thematic
evaluation technique has been used by the investigator where some themes are made on the basis
of data that will be get on the basis of secondary research.
VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY
When an investigator has conducted research the he has to focused on two main factors like
validity and reliability. By adopting these two factors, a researcher will be able to get success in
the particular survey or experiment (Bryman and Bell, 2015). Validity is related to the
authenticity that how authenticate data will be gathered on the basis of some sources and
websites. Through this, it can be ensured that an investigator will be able to identify the factors
or type of smell which can influence them in updating information in page.
Reliability is related to trust worthy data that how many times research has been conducted
and how outcomes will be similar in every situation. When some investigation has been
performed and result will be same in every case then in this way reliability can be ensured which
will help them in attaining the research goals and research questions can also be resolved.
University St. Andrews
March Broadstreet
St Katharine's West
16 The Scores
St Andrews KY16 9AX
October 10, 2017
Dr. Andrew Symond
Director of Life Sciences Research Programmes
International Science Foundation
1010 Sydney street
Australia, VA 44425
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Dear Dr. Smith:
Here, I submit a research proposal report and it is entitled by “Facebook and Ethics in
Research” to be done in my supervision in St. Andrews University's Life Sciences Laboratory.
So, in context to this I request to you for finance of amount $82,211 from the estimated price
for the research proposal time period 18 October, 2017.
The questions which is in this proposal are formulated by me. They are an administrative nature
and it nay be prepared to Peter Jons, Director of Research programmes at [phone].
Regarding my proposal, your consideration is highly appreciated.
Sincerely,
March Broadstreet
Enclosure: Proposal
cc: Mr. Jack Prar
CONCLUSION
From the above carried out analysis, it can be concluded that organizations followed
ethical practices so that they will be able to set a boundary for all people who will help the staff
members in order to perform their operations in right manner. At the time of conducting survey,
they have to follow rights actions them only research objectives can be achieved. There are some
theories which are related to the ethics like descriptive, normative, consequentialist and so on.
By following these, overall actions can be conducted in right direction. Furthermore, through an
effective analysis it can be summarized that ethical actions should be performed by XYZ social
media networking company so that they will be able to identify the Smell through Digital Scent
Technology so that it can be evaluated that how users will get influenced in updating their own
page.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journal
Bryman, A. and Bell, E., 2015. Business research methods. Oxford University Press, USA.
Chabowski, B. R., Mena, J. A. and Gonzalez-Padron, T. L., 2011. The structure of sustainability
research in marketing, 1958–2008: a basis for future research opportunities. Journal
of the Academy of Marketing Science. 39(1). pp.55-70.
Chang, C. H., 2011. The influence of corporate environmental ethics on competitive advantage:
the mediation role of green innovation. Journal of Business Ethics. 104(3). pp.361-
370.
Dalton, D. and Ortegren, M., 2011. Gender differences in ethics research: The importance of
controlling for the social desirability response bias. Journal of Business Ethics. pp.73-
93.
De Massis, A. and Kotlar, J., 2014. The case study method in family business research:
Guidelines for qualitative scholarship. Journal of Family Business Strategy. 5(1).
pp.15-29.
Dion, M., 2012. Are ethical theories relevant for ethical leadership?. Leadership & Organization
Development Journal. 33(1). pp.4-24.
Eriksson, P. and Kovalainen, A., 2015. Qualitative methods in business research: A practical
guide to social research. Sage.
Fassin, Y., Van Rossem, A. and Buelens, M., 2011. Small-business owner-managers’
perceptions of business ethics and CSR-related concepts. Journal of Business ethics.
98(3). pp.425-453.
Puffer, S. M. and McCarthy, D. J., 2011. Two decades of Russian business and management
research: An institutional theory perspective. The Academy of Management
Perspectives. 25(2). pp.21-36.
Saunders, M. N., 2011. Research methods for business students, 5/e. Pearson Education India.
Van Wee, B. and Roeser, S., 2013. Ethical theories and the cost–benefit analysis-based ex ante
evaluation of transport policies and plans. Transport reviews. 33(6). pp.743-760.
Wolbring, G., 2012. Ethical theories and discourses through an ability expectations and ableism
lens: The case of enhancement and global regulation. Asian Bioethics Review. 4(4).
pp.293-309.
Online
What is Ethics in Research & Why is it Important?. 2016. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/resources/bioethics/whatis/index.cfm>.
[Accessed on 6th October 2017].
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