Conducting applied 'third-world' research in organizations: Some problems and solutions

Abstract

This article extends the argument put forward by Orpen (1985), that management researchers should consider the validity of the model used by applied research practitioners. Given the increasing complexity of issues affecting management and shop-floor workers in South Africa, this paper raises several problems of methodology that researchers applying the traditional 'scientific model' of research are likely to face. The authors draw on their personal experiences in conducting 'applied research', to suggest some solutions to the problems they have raised. The article concludes by suggesting that the 'scientific' model should be the foundation of applied research, but the architecture on top needs to be fitted to the messy and untidy complexities of real-world data-gathering.