Ethics Application: Vertical Communication Research Study

This report details an ethics application submitted by a student for a research study investigating the importance of vertical communication in resolving information conflicts within an organization. The application includes sections on the research title, researcher details, supervisor information, abstract, proposed research methodology, participant selection, recruitment processes, consent procedures, data collection, security concerns, participant rights, and data storage. Supporting documents include a participation information sheet, a participant consent form, pilot interview questions, pilot questionnaires, a letter to a participating organization (Ajman FTZ), and confirmation of interviewee participation. The study aims to explore how vertical communication influences business performance, offering insights into best practices for maintaining effective communication and preventing information conflicts within the organization. Ethical considerations such as informed consent, confidentiality, and anonymity are explicitly addressed throughout the application.

Running head: ETHICS APPLICATION
ETHICS APPLICATION
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1ETHICS APPLICATION
Contents
Application for ethics approval..................................................................................................2
Research title......................................................................................................................2
Name of researcher............................................................................................................2
Supervisor name.................................................................................................................2
Supervisor contact..............................................................................................................2
Category of proposer..........................................................................................................2
Level of approval required.................................................................................................2
Section 1: Abstract.............................................................................................................2
Section 2: About the proposed research.............................................................................3
Section 3: About the participants.......................................................................................3
Section 4: About the recruitment process, consent and ethical aspects of the research.....3
Section 5: About the location, data collection, security concerns and conflict of interests
............................................................................................................................................3
Section 6: About participants’ right to privacy and storage of data...................................4
Participation information sheet..................................................................................................5
Title....................................................................................................................................5
Research.............................................................................................................................5
Purpose of the research......................................................................................................5
Reason for selection of the participant...............................................................................5
Reason for the participation...............................................................................................5
Responsibilities for participation.......................................................................................6

2ETHICS APPLICATION
Possible risks and disadvantages for participation.............................................................6
Provisions for confidentiality.............................................................................................6
How will the data be used..................................................................................................6
Research funding................................................................................................................6
Ethical review.....................................................................................................................6
Contact for information......................................................................................................7
Participant consent form............................................................................................................8
Pilot interviews.........................................................................................................................10
Pilot questioners.......................................................................................................................11
Letter to participating organizations........................................................................................12
Confirmation of interviewee participation...............................................................................14
Bibliography:............................................................................................................................16

3ETHICS APPLICATION
Application for ethics approval
Research title
“Important of vertical communication in resolving information conflicts within an
organization”.
Name of researcher
XYZ
Supervisor name
ABC
Supervisor contact
123/ [e-mail]
Category of proposer
Student
Student number: 123
Course: Management
Level of approval required
Level 1
Section 1: Abstract
The research aims to explore the significance of vertical communication in the resolution of
conflicts in information flow in an organization. This would involve a case study on an
employee from the organization (X). the study understand and inform managers on best
practices to maintain vertical communication within the organization and prevent information
conflict.

4ETHICS APPLICATION
Section 2: About the proposed research
The research would involve a case study on an employee using a qualitative approach tp
understand the importance of vertical communication to resolve information conflicts within
the organization.
The research would not involve work with children or vulnerable adults, and will not inflict
an harm to the participants or lead to criminal prosecutions. It will not involve deception of
participants in any way and will not involve the participants relatives and family.
Section 3: About the participants
A single participant for the case study would be selected non randomly from the organization,
Ajman FTZ, who would be interviewed and questioned regarding the opinion and views
about how vertical communication influences information conflict resolution or prevent them
from happening. No relationship would exist between the researcher and the participant.
Section 4: About the recruitment process, consent and ethical aspects of the
research
Recruitment would be done through a formal invitation sent to the selected participant
followed by a formal meeting. Informed consent will be gained from the participants through
a detailed “Consent Form”. The ethical aspects that would be considered would be the willful
participation of the respondent and no monetary incentivization will be provided.
Section 5: About the location, data collection, security concerns and conflict of
interests
The location would be in the organization’s premises in a conference hall.

5ETHICS APPLICATION
Section 6: About participants’ right to privacy and storage of data
The participants would have complete rights of privacy, confidentiality and anonymity. Data
related to the participants and the responses will be electronically stored with encryption and
the name of the participant will be associated with the responses.
Declaration by applicants
I hereby declare that I have agreed to the terms of the research and participate in it willful
with my consent. I will adhere to m roles and responsibilities as expected in the stud and will
be honest and unbiased in my opinions.
Signature:
Name:

6ETHICS APPLICATION
Participation information sheet
Title
“Important of vertical communication in resolving information conflicts within an
organization”.
Researchinvitation
You are hereby cordially invited for being a part of a research case study on the above title in
an attempt to understand how vertical communication influences business performance in
terms of information conflicts within your organization. please take your time to go through
the details of the information so that you would have a better understanding of the research
and its purpose.
Purpose of the research
The study’s purpose is to understand how vertical communication within an organization can
improve its performance in terms of information conflicts.
Reason for selection of the participant
The reason for selecting you as the participant of the case study is due to the significant
experience and senior position you hold in the organization and therefore support a better
understanding of the situation.
Reason for the participation
The participation to this study is completely voluntary and withdrawal or refusal from the
study will not lead to adverse impacts. The stud would also help the management to support
better organizational performance by maintain best practices in vertical communication.

7ETHICS APPLICATION
By taking part in this study you would receive support through an analysis of the various
aspects on how information conflict can be mitigated without our organization.
Responsibilities for participation
As a participant, your responsibility would be to provide an unbiased and honest opinion
during the interview as well as while filling up the questionnaires. You are requested to take a
stance both as part of the organization and an individual.
Possible risks and disadvantages for participation
Participation in the study might however result in loss of time and effort due to the interviews
and questionnaires.
Provisions for confidentiality
It would be ensured that all your information and identification would be kept confidential
throughout the stud and access to your personal data will not be shared unless otherwise
consented by you. The data would be kept confidential regarding our responses and while
sharing those responses your identity will not be disclosed thereby ensuring your anonymity.
How will the data be used
The data would be published in academic journals and a copy of the same would be shared
with you.
Research funding
The research would be funded by the university.
Ethical review
The project has been reviewed by the psychology research and ethics committee of the
university.

8ETHICS APPLICATION
Contact for information
For further queries you are requested to contact me at [e-mail]

9ETHICS APPLICATION
Participant consent form
Content Approval
I hereby confirm that I have gone through and understood the participant
information sheet share with me
I had the opportunity to clarify any doubts or concerns related to the research
and the terms of participation.
I understand that all my personal data and information would be kept strictly
confidential and my anonymity would be maintained while publishing the data
( unless otherwise required by the law)
I understand that the data collected in the study would be stored anonymously
as well as securely for use in future researches
I understand that participation in this stud is completely voluntary and I am at
full liberty and freedom to withdraw from the study at any point of time
henceforth without having to give any reasons or justifications for withdrawal.
I understand that I can withdraw permission to use the data from my interview
within a week of the interview in case of which the data would be removed
from the system
I understand that after the research is concluded I would be briefed on the key
understandings and knowledge from the research conducted that can in turn
help my professional practice.
I understand that I will not receive any monetary benefits or any other form of
incentive from participating in the study
I understand that from the interviews disguised extracts can be used by the
researchers to give an overview of my opinions expressed during the interview
I understand that under the freedom of information Law I am untitled t access
any information I have shared or provided while it is being stored for the

10ETHICS APPLICATION
purpose of the study
I understand that I can contact any of the researchers in the study in case I face
any further concerns or questions regarding the research
I agree and consent to be a part of the study knowing the risks and
benefits involved

11ETHICS APPLICATION
Pilot interviews
 Tell me about yourself.
 What do you think about this pilot interview?
 Have you participated in any such studies before? If yes, what has been your
experience in that?
 Where do you see this organization leading in the coming five years?
 Where do you see yourself in the coming five years?
 Are you satisfied working in this organization?
 What do you think are the greatest gains you have achieved working in this
organization?
 What were the biggest pains that you have experienced while in the organization?
 Has your work involved simultaneous participation in projects, if yes,what were they?
 What is the mode of communication most frequently used in the organization?
 What is the information challenges faced in the organization?
 What is your understanding of vertical communication?
 Do you think vertical communication is necessary in our organization?
 Any incidents you can remember where vertical communication became necessary?
 Do you think vertical communication is a part of your job role?
 Do you have any expectations about the research?
 What is the involvement of the leadership of the organization in vertical
communication?
 What do you think are the key reasons that cause conflicts in the organization?
 Do you feel that vertical communication can help to overcome conflicts in an
organization?