how to write a business management research paper

How To Write A Research Paper

Step-By-Step Tutorial With Examples + FREE Template

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | March 2024

For many students, crafting a strong research paper from scratch can feel like a daunting task – and rightly so! In this post, we’ll unpack what a research paper is, what it needs to do , and how to write one – in three easy steps. 🙂 

Overview: Writing A Research Paper

What (exactly) is a research paper.

• How to write a research paper
• Stage 1 : Topic & literature search
• Stage 2 : Structure & outline
• Stage 3 : Iterative writing
• Key takeaways

Let’s start by asking the most important question, “ What is a research paper? ”.

Simply put, a research paper is a scholarly written work where the writer (that’s you!) answers a specific question (this is called a research question ) through evidence-based arguments . Evidence-based is the keyword here. In other words, a research paper is different from an essay or other writing assignments that draw from the writer’s personal opinions or experiences. With a research paper, it’s all about building your arguments based on evidence (we’ll talk more about that evidence a little later).

Now, it’s worth noting that there are many different types of research papers , including analytical papers (the type I just described), argumentative papers, and interpretative papers. Here, we’ll focus on analytical papers , as these are some of the most common – but if you’re keen to learn about other types of research papers, be sure to check out the rest of the blog .

With that basic foundation laid, let’s get down to business and look at how to write a research paper .

Overview: The 3-Stage Process

While there are, of course, many potential approaches you can take to write a research paper, there are typically three stages to the writing process. So, in this tutorial, we’ll present a straightforward three-step process that we use when working with students at Grad Coach.

These three steps are:

• Finding a research topic and reviewing the existing literature
• Developing a provisional structure and outline for your paper, and
• Writing up your initial draft and then refining it iteratively

Let’s dig into each of these.

Need a helping hand?

Step 1: Find a topic and review the literature

As we mentioned earlier, in a research paper, you, as the researcher, will try to answer a question . More specifically, that’s called a research question , and it sets the direction of your entire paper. What’s important to understand though is that you’ll need to answer that research question with the help of high-quality sources – for example, journal articles, government reports, case studies, and so on. We’ll circle back to this in a minute.

The first stage of the research process is deciding on what your research question will be and then reviewing the existing literature (in other words, past studies and papers) to see what they say about that specific research question. In some cases, your professor may provide you with a predetermined research question (or set of questions). However, in many cases, you’ll need to find your own research question within a certain topic area.

Finding a strong research question hinges on identifying a meaningful research gap – in other words, an area that’s lacking in existing research. There’s a lot to unpack here, so if you wanna learn more, check out the plain-language explainer video below.

Once you’ve figured out which question (or questions) you’ll attempt to answer in your research paper, you’ll need to do a deep dive into the existing literature – this is called a “ literature search ”. Again, there are many ways to go about this, but your most likely starting point will be Google Scholar .

If you’re new to Google Scholar, think of it as Google for the academic world. You can start by simply entering a few different keywords that are relevant to your research question and it will then present a host of articles for you to review. What you want to pay close attention to here is the number of citations for each paper – the more citations a paper has, the more credible it is (generally speaking – there are some exceptions, of course).

Ideally, what you’re looking for are well-cited papers that are highly relevant to your topic. That said, keep in mind that citations are a cumulative metric , so older papers will often have more citations than newer papers – just because they’ve been around for longer. So, don’t fixate on this metric in isolation – relevance and recency are also very important.

Beyond Google Scholar, you’ll also definitely want to check out academic databases and aggregators such as Science Direct, PubMed, JStor and so on. These will often overlap with the results that you find in Google Scholar, but they can also reveal some hidden gems – so, be sure to check them out.

Once you’ve worked your way through all the literature, you’ll want to catalogue all this information in some sort of spreadsheet so that you can easily recall who said what, when and within what context. If you’d like, we’ve got a free literature spreadsheet that helps you do exactly that.

Step 2: Develop a structure and outline

With your research question pinned down and your literature digested and catalogued, it’s time to move on to planning your actual research paper .

It might sound obvious, but it’s really important to have some sort of rough outline in place before you start writing your paper. So often, we see students eagerly rushing into the writing phase, only to land up with a disjointed research paper that rambles on in multiple

Now, the secret here is to not get caught up in the fine details . Realistically, all you need at this stage is a bullet-point list that describes (in broad strokes) what you’ll discuss and in what order. It’s also useful to remember that you’re not glued to this outline – in all likelihood, you’ll chop and change some sections once you start writing, and that’s perfectly okay. What’s important is that you have some sort of roadmap in place from the start.

At this stage you might be wondering, “ But how should I structure my research paper? ”. Well, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution here, but in general, a research paper will consist of a few relatively standardised components:

• Introduction
• Literature review
• Methodology

Let’s take a look at each of these.

First up is the introduction section . As the name suggests, the purpose of the introduction is to set the scene for your research paper. There are usually (at least) four ingredients that go into this section – these are the background to the topic, the research problem and resultant research question , and the justification or rationale. If you’re interested, the video below unpacks the introduction section in more detail. 

The next section of your research paper will typically be your literature review . Remember all that literature you worked through earlier? Well, this is where you’ll present your interpretation of all that content . You’ll do this by writing about recent trends, developments, and arguments within the literature – but more specifically, those that are relevant to your research question . The literature review can oftentimes seem a little daunting, even to seasoned researchers, so be sure to check out our extensive collection of literature review content here .

With the introduction and lit review out of the way, the next section of your paper is the research methodology . In a nutshell, the methodology section should describe to your reader what you did (beyond just reviewing the existing literature) to answer your research question. For example, what data did you collect, how did you collect that data, how did you analyse that data and so on? For each choice, you’ll also need to justify why you chose to do it that way, and what the strengths and weaknesses of your approach were.

Now, it’s worth mentioning that for some research papers, this aspect of the project may be a lot simpler . For example, you may only need to draw on secondary sources (in other words, existing data sets). In some cases, you may just be asked to draw your conclusions from the literature search itself (in other words, there may be no data analysis at all). But, if you are required to collect and analyse data, you’ll need to pay a lot of attention to the methodology section. The video below provides an example of what the methodology section might look like.

By this stage of your paper, you will have explained what your research question is, what the existing literature has to say about that question, and how you analysed additional data to try to answer your question. So, the natural next step is to present your analysis of that data . This section is usually called the “results” or “analysis” section and this is where you’ll showcase your findings.

Depending on your school’s requirements, you may need to present and interpret the data in one section – or you might split the presentation and the interpretation into two sections. In the latter case, your “results” section will just describe the data, and the “discussion” is where you’ll interpret that data and explicitly link your analysis back to your research question. If you’re not sure which approach to take, check in with your professor or take a look at past papers to see what the norms are for your programme.

Alright – once you’ve presented and discussed your results, it’s time to wrap it up . This usually takes the form of the “ conclusion ” section. In the conclusion, you’ll need to highlight the key takeaways from your study and close the loop by explicitly answering your research question. Again, the exact requirements here will vary depending on your programme (and you may not even need a conclusion section at all) – so be sure to check with your professor if you’re unsure.

Step 3: Write and refine

Finally, it’s time to get writing. All too often though, students hit a brick wall right about here… So, how do you avoid this happening to you?

Well, there’s a lot to be said when it comes to writing a research paper (or any sort of academic piece), but we’ll share three practical tips to help you get started.

First and foremost , it’s essential to approach your writing as an iterative process. In other words, you need to start with a really messy first draft and then polish it over multiple rounds of editing. Don’t waste your time trying to write a perfect research paper in one go. Instead, take the pressure off yourself by adopting an iterative approach.

Secondly , it’s important to always lean towards critical writing , rather than descriptive writing. What does this mean? Well, at the simplest level, descriptive writing focuses on the “ what ”, while critical writing digs into the “ so what ” – in other words, the implications. If you’re not familiar with these two types of writing, don’t worry! You can find a plain-language explanation here.

Last but not least, you’ll need to get your referencing right. Specifically, you’ll need to provide credible, correctly formatted citations for the statements you make. We see students making referencing mistakes all the time and it costs them dearly. The good news is that you can easily avoid this by using a simple reference manager . If you don’t have one, check out our video about Mendeley, an easy (and free) reference management tool that you can start using today.

Recap: Key Takeaways

We’ve covered a lot of ground here. To recap, the three steps to writing a high-quality research paper are:

• To choose a research question and review the literature
• To plan your paper structure and draft an outline
• To take an iterative approach to writing, focusing on critical writing and strong referencing

Remember, this is just a b ig-picture overview of the research paper development process and there’s a lot more nuance to unpack. So, be sure to grab a copy of our free research paper template to learn more about how to write a research paper.

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• How to write a research paper

Last updated

11 January 2024

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With proper planning, knowledge, and framework, completing a research paper can be a fulfilling and exciting experience. 

Though it might initially sound slightly intimidating, this guide will help you embrace the challenge. 

By documenting your findings, you can inspire others and make a difference in your field. Here's how you can make your research paper unique and comprehensive.

• What is a research paper?

Research papers allow you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of a particular topic. These papers are usually lengthier and more detailed than typical essays, requiring deeper insight into the chosen topic.

To write a research paper, you must first choose a topic that interests you and is relevant to the field of study. Once you’ve selected your topic, gathering as many relevant resources as possible, including books, scholarly articles, credible websites, and other academic materials, is essential. You must then read and analyze these sources, summarizing their key points and identifying gaps in the current research.

You can formulate your ideas and opinions once you thoroughly understand the existing research. To get there might involve conducting original research, gathering data, or analyzing existing data sets. It could also involve presenting an original argument or interpretation of the existing research.

Writing a successful research paper involves presenting your findings clearly and engagingly, which might involve using charts, graphs, or other visual aids to present your data and using concise language to explain your findings. You must also ensure your paper adheres to relevant academic formatting guidelines, including proper citations and references.

Overall, writing a research paper requires a significant amount of time, effort, and attention to detail. However, it is also an enriching experience that allows you to delve deeply into a subject that interests you and contribute to the existing body of knowledge in your chosen field.

• How long should a research paper be?

Research papers are deep dives into a topic. Therefore, they tend to be longer pieces of work than essays or opinion pieces. 

However, a suitable length depends on the complexity of the topic and your level of expertise. For instance, are you a first-year college student or an experienced professional? 

Also, remember that the best research papers provide valuable information for the benefit of others. Therefore, the quality of information matters most, not necessarily the length. Being concise is valuable.

Following these best practice steps will help keep your process simple and productive:

1. Gaining a deep understanding of any expectations

Before diving into your intended topic or beginning the research phase, take some time to orient yourself. Suppose there’s a specific topic assigned to you. In that case, it’s essential to deeply understand the question and organize your planning and approach in response. Pay attention to the key requirements and ensure you align your writing accordingly. 

This preparation step entails

Deeply understanding the task or assignment

Being clear about the expected format and length

Familiarizing yourself with the citation and referencing requirements 

Understanding any defined limits for your research contribution

Where applicable, speaking to your professor or research supervisor for further clarification

2. Choose your research topic

Select a research topic that aligns with both your interests and available resources. Ideally, focus on a field where you possess significant experience and analytical skills. In crafting your research paper, it's crucial to go beyond summarizing existing data and contribute fresh insights to the chosen area.

Consider narrowing your focus to a specific aspect of the topic. For example, if exploring the link between technology and mental health, delve into how social media use during the pandemic impacts the well-being of college students. Conducting interviews and surveys with students could provide firsthand data and unique perspectives, adding substantial value to the existing knowledge.

When finalizing your topic, adhere to legal and ethical norms in the relevant area (this ensures the integrity of your research, protects participants' rights, upholds intellectual property standards, and ensures transparency and accountability). Following these principles not only maintains the credibility of your work but also builds trust within your academic or professional community.

For instance, in writing about medical research, consider legal and ethical norms , including patient confidentiality laws and informed consent requirements. Similarly, if analyzing user data on social media platforms, be mindful of data privacy regulations, ensuring compliance with laws governing personal information collection and use. Aligning with legal and ethical standards not only avoids potential issues but also underscores the responsible conduct of your research.

3. Gather preliminary research

Once you’ve landed on your topic, it’s time to explore it further. You’ll want to discover more about available resources and existing research relevant to your assignment at this stage. 

This exploratory phase is vital as you may discover issues with your original idea or realize you have insufficient resources to explore the topic effectively. This key bit of groundwork allows you to redirect your research topic in a different, more feasible, or more relevant direction if necessary. 

Spending ample time at this stage ensures you gather everything you need, learn as much as you can about the topic, and discover gaps where the topic has yet to be sufficiently covered, offering an opportunity to research it further. 

4. Define your research question

To produce a well-structured and focused paper, it is imperative to formulate a clear and precise research question that will guide your work. Your research question must be informed by the existing literature and tailored to the scope and objectives of your project. By refining your focus, you can produce a thoughtful and engaging paper that effectively communicates your ideas to your readers.

5. Write a thesis statement

A thesis statement is a one-to-two-sentence summary of your research paper's main argument or direction. It serves as an overall guide to summarize the overall intent of the research paper for you and anyone wanting to know more about the research.

A strong thesis statement is:

Concise and clear: Explain your case in simple sentences (avoid covering multiple ideas). It might help to think of this section as an elevator pitch.

Specific: Ensure that there is no ambiguity in your statement and that your summary covers the points argued in the paper.

Debatable: A thesis statement puts forward a specific argument––it is not merely a statement but a debatable point that can be analyzed and discussed.

Here are three thesis statement examples from different disciplines:

Psychology thesis example: "We're studying adults aged 25-40 to see if taking short breaks for mindfulness can help with stress. Our goal is to find practical ways to manage anxiety better."

Environmental science thesis example: "This research paper looks into how having more city parks might make the air cleaner and keep people healthier. I want to find out if more green spaces means breathing fewer carcinogens in big cities."

UX research thesis example: "This study focuses on improving mobile banking for older adults using ethnographic research, eye-tracking analysis, and interactive prototyping. We investigate the usefulness of eye-tracking analysis with older individuals, aiming to spark debate and offer fresh perspectives on UX design and digital inclusivity for the aging population."

6. Conduct in-depth research

A research paper doesn’t just include research that you’ve uncovered from other papers and studies but your fresh insights, too. You will seek to become an expert on your topic––understanding the nuances in the current leading theories. You will analyze existing research and add your thinking and discoveries.  It's crucial to conduct well-designed research that is rigorous, robust, and based on reliable sources. Suppose a research paper lacks evidence or is biased. In that case, it won't benefit the academic community or the general public. Therefore, examining the topic thoroughly and furthering its understanding through high-quality research is essential. That usually means conducting new research. Depending on the area under investigation, you may conduct surveys, interviews, diary studies , or observational research to uncover new insights or bolster current claims.

7. Determine supporting evidence

Not every piece of research you’ve discovered will be relevant to your research paper. It’s important to categorize the most meaningful evidence to include alongside your discoveries. It's important to include evidence that doesn't support your claims to avoid exclusion bias and ensure a fair research paper.

8. Write a research paper outline

Before diving in and writing the whole paper, start with an outline. It will help you to see if more research is needed, and it will provide a framework by which to write a more compelling paper. Your supervisor may even request an outline to approve before beginning to write the first draft of the full paper. An outline will include your topic, thesis statement, key headings, short summaries of the research, and your arguments.

9. Write your first draft

Once you feel confident about your outline and sources, it’s time to write your first draft. While penning a long piece of content can be intimidating, if you’ve laid the groundwork, you will have a structure to help you move steadily through each section. To keep up motivation and inspiration, it’s often best to keep the pace quick. Stopping for long periods can interrupt your flow and make jumping back in harder than writing when things are fresh in your mind.

10. Cite your sources correctly

It's always a good practice to give credit where it's due, and the same goes for citing any works that have influenced your paper. Building your arguments on credible references adds value and authenticity to your research. In the formatting guidelines section, you’ll find an overview of different citation styles (MLA, CMOS, or APA), which will help you meet any publishing or academic requirements and strengthen your paper's credibility. It is essential to follow the guidelines provided by your school or the publication you are submitting to ensure the accuracy and relevance of your citations.

11. Ensure your work is original

It is crucial to ensure the originality of your paper, as plagiarism can lead to serious consequences. To avoid plagiarism, you should use proper paraphrasing and quoting techniques. Paraphrasing is rewriting a text in your own words while maintaining the original meaning. Quoting involves directly citing the source. Giving credit to the original author or source is essential whenever you borrow their ideas or words. You can also use plagiarism detection tools such as Scribbr or Grammarly to check the originality of your paper. These tools compare your draft writing to a vast database of online sources. If you find any accidental plagiarism, you should correct it immediately by rephrasing or citing the source.

12. Revise, edit, and proofread

One of the essential qualities of excellent writers is their ability to understand the importance of editing and proofreading. Even though it's tempting to call it a day once you've finished your writing, editing your work can significantly improve its quality. It's natural to overlook the weaker areas when you've just finished writing a paper. Therefore, it's best to take a break of a day or two, or even up to a week, to refresh your mind. This way, you can return to your work with a new perspective. After some breathing room, you can spot any inconsistencies, spelling and grammar errors, typos, or missing citations and correct them. 

• The best research paper format 

The format of your research paper should align with the requirements set forth by your college, school, or target publication. 

There is no one “best” format, per se. Depending on the stated requirements, you may need to include the following elements:

Title page: The title page of a research paper typically includes the title, author's name, and institutional affiliation and may include additional information such as a course name or instructor's name. 

Table of contents: Include a table of contents to make it easy for readers to find specific sections of your paper.

Abstract: The abstract is a summary of the purpose of the paper.

Methods : In this section, describe the research methods used. This may include collecting data , conducting interviews, or doing field research .

Results: Summarize the conclusions you drew from your research in this section.

Discussion: In this section, discuss the implications of your research . Be sure to mention any significant limitations to your approach and suggest areas for further research.

Tables, charts, and illustrations: Use tables, charts, and illustrations to help convey your research findings and make them easier to understand.

Works cited or reference page: Include a works cited or reference page to give credit to the sources that you used to conduct your research.

Bibliography: Provide a list of all the sources you consulted while conducting your research.

Dedication and acknowledgments : Optionally, you may include a dedication and acknowledgments section to thank individuals who helped you with your research.

• General style and formatting guidelines

Formatting your research paper means you can submit it to your college, journal, or other publications in compliance with their criteria.

Research papers tend to follow the American Psychological Association (APA), Modern Language Association (MLA), or Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) guidelines.

Here’s how each style guide is typically used:

Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS):

CMOS is a versatile style guide used for various types of writing. It's known for its flexibility and use in the humanities. CMOS provides guidelines for citations, formatting, and overall writing style. It allows for both footnotes and in-text citations, giving writers options based on their preferences or publication requirements.

American Psychological Association (APA):

APA is common in the social sciences. It’s hailed for its clarity and emphasis on precision. It has specific rules for citing sources, creating references, and formatting papers. APA style uses in-text citations with an accompanying reference list. It's designed to convey information efficiently and is widely used in academic and scientific writing.

Modern Language Association (MLA):

MLA is widely used in the humanities, especially literature and language studies. It emphasizes the author-page format for in-text citations and provides guidelines for creating a "Works Cited" page. MLA is known for its focus on the author's name and the literary works cited. It’s frequently used in disciplines that prioritize literary analysis and critical thinking.

To confirm you're using the latest style guide, check the official website or publisher's site for updates, consult academic resources, and verify the guide's publication date. Online platforms and educational resources may also provide summaries and alerts about any revisions or additions to the style guide.

Citing sources

When working on your research paper, it's important to cite the sources you used properly. Your citation style will guide you through this process. Generally, there are three parts to citing sources in your research paper: 

First, provide a brief citation in the body of your essay. This is also known as a parenthetical or in-text citation. 

Second, include a full citation in the Reference list at the end of your paper. Different types of citations include in-text citations, footnotes, and reference lists. 

In-text citations include the author's surname and the date of the citation. 

Footnotes appear at the bottom of each page of your research paper. They may also be summarized within a reference list at the end of the paper. 

A reference list includes all of the research used within the paper at the end of the document. It should include the author, date, paper title, and publisher listed in the order that aligns with your citation style.

10 research paper writing tips:

Following some best practices is essential to writing a research paper that contributes to your field of study and creates a positive impact.

These tactics will help you structure your argument effectively and ensure your work benefits others:

Clear and precise language:  Ensure your language is unambiguous. Use academic language appropriately, but keep it simple. Also, provide clear takeaways for your audience.

Effective idea separation:  Organize the vast amount of information and sources in your paper with paragraphs and titles. Create easily digestible sections for your readers to navigate through.

Compelling intro:  Craft an engaging introduction that captures your reader's interest. Hook your audience and motivate them to continue reading.

Thorough revision and editing:  Take the time to review and edit your paper comprehensively. Use tools like Grammarly to detect and correct small, overlooked errors.

Thesis precision:  Develop a clear and concise thesis statement that guides your paper. Ensure that your thesis aligns with your research's overall purpose and contribution.

Logical flow of ideas:  Maintain a logical progression throughout the paper. Use transitions effectively to connect different sections and maintain coherence.

Critical evaluation of sources:  Evaluate and critically assess the relevance and reliability of your sources. Ensure that your research is based on credible and up-to-date information.

Thematic consistency:  Maintain a consistent theme throughout the paper. Ensure that all sections contribute cohesively to the overall argument.

Relevant supporting evidence:  Provide concise and relevant evidence to support your arguments. Avoid unnecessary details that may distract from the main points.

Embrace counterarguments:  Acknowledge and address opposing views to strengthen your position. Show that you have considered alternative arguments in your field.

7 research tips 

If you want your paper to not only be well-written but also contribute to the progress of human knowledge, consider these tips to take your paper to the next level:

Selecting the appropriate topic: The topic you select should align with your area of expertise, comply with the requirements of your project, and have sufficient resources for a comprehensive investigation.

Use academic databases: Academic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and JSTOR offer a wealth of research papers that can help you discover everything you need to know about your chosen topic.

Critically evaluate sources: It is important not to accept research findings at face value. Instead, it is crucial to critically analyze the information to avoid jumping to conclusions or overlooking important details. A well-written research paper requires a critical analysis with thorough reasoning to support claims.

Diversify your sources: Expand your research horizons by exploring a variety of sources beyond the standard databases. Utilize books, conference proceedings, and interviews to gather diverse perspectives and enrich your understanding of the topic.

Take detailed notes: Detailed note-taking is crucial during research and can help you form the outline and body of your paper.

Stay up on trends: Keep abreast of the latest developments in your field by regularly checking for recent publications. Subscribe to newsletters, follow relevant journals, and attend conferences to stay informed about emerging trends and advancements. 

Engage in peer review: Seek feedback from peers or mentors to ensure the rigor and validity of your research . Peer review helps identify potential weaknesses in your methodology and strengthens the overall credibility of your findings.

• The real-world impact of research papers

Writing a research paper is more than an academic or business exercise. The experience provides an opportunity to explore a subject in-depth, broaden one's understanding, and arrive at meaningful conclusions. With careful planning, dedication, and hard work, writing a research paper can be a fulfilling and enriching experience contributing to advancing knowledge.

How do I publish my research paper? 

Many academics wish to publish their research papers. While challenging, your paper might get traction if it covers new and well-written information. To publish your research paper, find a target publication, thoroughly read their guidelines, format your paper accordingly, and send it to them per their instructions. You may need to include a cover letter, too. After submission, your paper may be peer-reviewed by experts to assess its legitimacy, quality, originality, and methodology. Following review, you will be informed by the publication whether they have accepted or rejected your paper. 

What is a good opening sentence for a research paper? 

Beginning your research paper with a compelling introduction can ensure readers are interested in going further. A relevant quote, a compelling statistic, or a bold argument can start the paper and hook your reader. Remember, though, that the most important aspect of a research paper is the quality of the information––not necessarily your ability to storytell, so ensure anything you write aligns with your goals.

Research paper vs. a research proposal—what’s the difference?

While some may confuse research papers and proposals, they are different documents. 

A research proposal comes before a research paper. It is a detailed document that outlines an intended area of exploration. It includes the research topic, methodology, timeline, sources, and potential conclusions. Research proposals are often required when seeking approval to conduct research. 

A research paper is a summary of research findings. A research paper follows a structured format to present those findings and construct an argument or conclusion.

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How to Write a Management Research Paper

Overview of a management research paper.

Executing a management research paper is quite a rewarding and a challenging task at the same time. The writing process demands a good understanding of the respective expectations and the requisite skills.

In this, key areas of concern include generation of the correct research topics, collection of suitable data, analysis of evidence, and development of appropriate research themes.

Generally, management research papers seek to examine your understanding of course concepts, theories, bodies of knowledge, and their application in real-life scenarios.

Key Areas of Concern when writing a Management Research Paper

You should explore the different issues that are quite pertinent in management.

Notably, besides the respective  steps for writing a research paper , various concerns arise when writing a management research paper.

Addressing these concerns is critical in helping you produce an outstanding research paper.

These areas of concern include:

a) Choosing the research topic . A good research paper must have the appropriate research topic. A good topic should not be too wide or be in an area where studies have been conducted exhaustively.

b) Ensuring that your research paper is credible enough . This concern area has a profound effect on how the target audience perceives or rates your work.

Low credibility has a negative impact on your research paper. As such, it is essential to ensure that your work is founded on reliable sources and that it is referenced. 

c) Proper organization . Effective organization is another area that is likely to have profound effects on your management research paper.

Poor organization has a negative impact on coherency and flow of thoughts. You are therefore required to adhere to the appropriate structure of a research paper.

Key Elements of a Management Research Paper

Some features distinguish between well-developed work and poorly written papers. In the case of management research papers, well-executed work constitutes various key elements that are core to professionalism and excellence in research.

These elements include:

a) An appropriate topic ; where the right topic effectively defines the thesis under study by stipulating the scope and content of the study.

The topic should be within certain limits to avoid vagueness and therefore enhance focus and ability to exhaustively address the questions arising from the study.

b) Rigorousness.  In this ,  the research should consider all the factors in question to ensure that the management research is wholesome and all-encompassing.

The research should be thorough in examining the topic under study. 

c) Accuracy ; whereby the research should be consistent with the existing facts and data. Per se, the research should rely on the available data to advance its thesis.

As such, contradictions should be avoided at all costs, unless the intended purpose is to disapprove a theory or existing knowledge.

d) Clarity and validity , where the research paper should avoid ambiguity by ensuring that the topic under study is guided by a well-defined research question.

Validity would entail the ability to apply the issue under study in different situations.

Validity often goes hand in hand with verifiability, which entails the ability of the study situation to produce similar results in other different situations.  

Steps on how to Write a Management Research Paper

Writing a management research paper is an art. The process requires numerous skills and tactical approaches.

Although quite technical, you can adopt numerous steps to make the process of writing a management research paper more interesting and less tasking. These steps are as outlined below.

a)   Identifying research paper requirements : this is the preliminary step and involves determining the topic of your research paper based on provided instructions.

You must start by determining the specific task by precisely defining the assignment in terms of length, sources required, and relevant content.

b)   Gathering data : this steps requires you to locate the relevant sources. You should go ahead and list the possible sources for data to be used in your research paper.

Such sources may include lecture notes, library books, journals, and magazines, and online books, journals, and websites.

After locating the sources, you should sort them to determine which ones are the most appropriate. The entailed appropriateness should focus on their relevancy and credibility. 

c) Developing the thesis statement : this step is quite critical when writing a management research paper. It defines the shape and direction of the paper.

With this in mind, you are supposed to go through the information gathered to establish common themes relating to the research topic.

From these themes, you should develop one major argument to be advanced throughout the entire research paper.

d)   Writing the rough draft : this is also one of the most important steps. It entails using the acquired data to create arguments supporting the thesis developed in the previous step.

The process of writing the rough draft requires you to take notes as you evaluate the usefulness of the selected resources.

In this, an outline comes in handy. Such an outline should include different points supporting the thesis statement.  

e) Compiling the data : compiling the data entails meshing the points developed in the rough draft together to create logical arguments.

Such arguments seek to prove the management research paper’s thesis statement. When compiling the data, you should start with the strongest points.

This is important in creating a positive impression among the readers.

f)   Reflection : this step involves going through the research paper to determine whether it has responded to the research question effectively.

You should conduct a critical assessment of your paper in relation to the research question, selected topic, and the advanced thesis.

As well, you should evaluate whether the paper is coherent enough and devoid of grammatical mistakes.

211 Business Topics For Research Paper [Updated]

Are you looking for intriguing business topics to explore in your research paper? Whether you’re a student delving into the world of business studies or a seasoned professional seeking fresh insights, selecting the right topic is crucial. In this blog, we’ll walk you through a diverse array of business topics for research paper. From management strategies to emerging trends like sustainability and digital transformation, there’s something for everyone. Let’s dive in!

What Are The Characteristics of Business Research Topics?

Table of Contents

Business research topics possess several key characteristics that distinguish them from other types of research topics. These characteristics include:

• Relevance: Business research topics should address current issues, trends, and challenges facing the business world. They should be of interest to academics, practitioners, and policymakers alike.
• Practicality: Business research topics should have real-world applicability and relevance to industry practices. They should offer insights that can be implemented to improve organizational performance, decision-making, and strategy.
• Interdisciplinary Nature: Business research often draws from multiple disciplines such as economics, management, marketing, finance, and psychology. Topics should be interdisciplinary in nature, incorporating insights from various fields to provide comprehensive analysis.
• Data-Driven: Business research relies heavily on empirical evidence and data analysis. Topics should lend themselves to quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-method research approaches, depending on the research question and objectives.
• Innovation and Creativity: Business research topics should encourage innovative thinking and creative problem-solving. They should explore emerging trends, disruptive technologies, and novel approaches to address business challenges.
• Ethical Considerations: Ethical considerations are paramount in business research. Topics should adhere to ethical principles and guidelines, ensuring the protection of participants’ rights and the integrity of research findings.
• Global Perspective: Business research topics should consider the global context and implications of business decisions and practices. They should explore cross-cultural differences, international markets, and global trends shaping the business landscape.
• Impact: Business research topics should have the potential to generate meaningful insights and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field. They should address pressing issues and offer practical solutions that can drive positive change in organizations and society.

By embodying these characteristics, business research topics can effectively address the complexities and challenges of the modern business environment, providing valuable insights for academic scholarship and practical application.

211 Business Topics For Research Paper

• The Impact of Leadership Styles on Employee Motivation
• Strategies for Managing Multicultural Teams Effectively
• The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership Success
• Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses on a Limited Budget
• The Influence of Social Media Marketing on Consumer Behavior
• Brand Loyalty: Factors Influencing Consumer Purchase Decisions
• Ethical Considerations in Advertising Practices
• Financial Risk Management in Multinational Corporations
• Corporate Governance and Financial Performance
• The Role of Financial Derivatives in Hedging Market Risks
• Success Factors for Startups in Competitive Markets
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Key Drivers of Economic Growth
• Challenges and Opportunities in Scaling a Business Globally
• Ethical Dilemmas in Business Decision-Making
• Corporate Social Responsibility Practices and Brand Image
• Balancing Profit Motives with Social and Environmental Concerns
• The Business Case for Sustainability Initiatives
• Renewable Energy Adoption in Businesses
• Circular Economy Models and Business Sustainability
• The Impact of Digital Technologies on Traditional Business Models
• E-Commerce Trends and Consumer Preferences
• Cybersecurity Challenges in E-Commerce Transactions
• The Benefits of Diversity in the Workplace
• Strategies for Promoting Gender Equality in Leadership Roles
• Addressing Unconscious Bias in Recruitment Processes
• The Impact of Remote Work on Employee Productivity
• Flexible Work Arrangements and Work-Life Balance
• The Role of Corporate Culture in Employee Engagement
• Talent Management Strategies for Attracting and Retaining Top Talent
• Performance Appraisal Systems: Best Practices and Challenges
• Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives
• Employee Training and Development Programs
• Change Management Strategies for Organizational Transformation
• Crisis Management and Business Continuity Planning
• Supply Chain Resilience: Lessons Learned from Disruptions
• Sustainable Sourcing Practices in Supply Chain Management
• Inventory Management Strategies for Reducing Costs
• Logistics Optimization for Efficient Operations
• The Impact of Globalization on Supply Chain Networks
• Strategic Alliances and Collaborative Partnerships in Business
• Mergers and Acquisitions: Drivers and Challenges
• Corporate Restructuring Strategies for Turnaround Success
• The Role of Corporate Social Responsibility in Building Customer Trust
• Reputation Management in the Digital Age
• Crisis Communication Strategies for Managing Reputational Risks
• Customer Relationship Management: Strategies for Enhancing Customer Loyalty
• Personalization Techniques in Marketing and Customer Service
• Omnichannel Retailing: Integrating Online and Offline Channels
• The Future of Brick-and-Mortar Retail in the Digital Era
• Pricing Strategies for Maximizing Profitability
• Revenue Management Techniques in Hospitality Industry
• Brand Extension Strategies and Brand Equity
• Customer Experience Management: Best Practices and Trends
• The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Business Operations
• Machine Learning Applications in Marketing and Sales
• Automation and Robotics in Manufacturing Processes
• Blockchain Technology: Opportunities and Challenges for Businesses
• Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality in Marketing
• Data Privacy and Security Concerns in the Digital Age
• The Role of Big Data Analytics in Business Decision-Making
• Predictive Analytics for Sales Forecasting and Demand Planning
• Customer Segmentation Techniques for Targeted Marketing
• The Influence of Cultural Factors on Consumer Behavior
• Cross-Cultural Marketing Strategies for Global Brands
• International Market Entry Strategies: Modes of Entry and Risks
• Exporting vs. Foreign Direct Investment: Pros and Cons
• Market Entry Strategies for Emerging Markets
• The Impact of Political and Economic Factors on International Business
• Foreign Exchange Risk Management Strategies
• Cultural Intelligence and Global Leadership Effectiveness
• The Role of Multinational Corporations in Economic Development
• Corporate Governance Practices in Different Countries
• Comparative Analysis of Business Laws and Regulations
• Intellectual Property Rights Protection in Global Business
• The Influence of Cultural Differences on Negotiation Styles
• Cross-Border Mergers and Acquisitions: Legal and Cultural Challenges
• International Trade Agreements and Their Impact on Businesses
• The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations in Sustainable Development
• Corporate Philanthropy and Social Impact Investing
• Microfinance and Economic Empowerment of Women
• Entrepreneurship Ecosystems and Innovation Hubs
• Government Policies and Support for Small Businesses
• Venture Capital Financing and Startup Growth
• Crowdfunding Platforms: Opportunities for Entrepreneurs
• Social Entrepreneurship: Business Models for Social Change
• Innovation Clusters and Regional Economic Development
• Angel Investors and Their Role in Startup Funding
• Technology Incubators: Nurturing Startup Innovation
• Intellectual Property Rights Protection for Startup Innovations
• Business Model Innovation: Disrupting Traditional Industries
• The Impact of Climate Change on Business Operations
• Green Technologies and Sustainable Business Practices
• Carbon Footprint Reduction Strategies for Businesses
• Environmental Management Systems and Certification
• Corporate Reporting on Environmental Performance
• Circular Economy Business Models: Closing the Loop
• Sustainable Supply Chain Management Practices
• The Role of Renewable Energy in Achieving Carbon Neutrality
• Smart Cities and Sustainable Urban Development
• Green Building Technologies and Sustainable Construction
• The Influence of Cultural Factors on Entrepreneurship
• Gender Differences in Entrepreneurial Intentions and Success
• Social Capital and Networking for Entrepreneurial Ventures
• Family Business Succession Planning and Governance
• Corporate Entrepreneurship: Fostering Innovation Within Organizations
• Franchising: Opportunities and Challenges for Entrepreneurs
• Online Platforms and the Gig Economy
• Digital Nomads: Remote Work and Entrepreneurship
• The Sharing Economy: Business Models and Regulation
• Blockchain Applications in Supply Chain Traceability
• Cryptocurrency Adoption in Business Transactions
• Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) and Tokenization of Assets
• Decentralized Finance (DeFi) and Its Implications for Traditional Banking
• Smart Contracts and Their Potential in Business Operations
• Privacy-Preserving Technologies in Data Sharing
• Cryptocurrency Exchanges: Regulation and Security Issues
• Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and Monetary Policy
• The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Financial Services
• Robo-Advisors and Algorithmic Trading in Wealth Management
• Fintech Startups and Disruption in Traditional Banking
• Peer-to-Peer Lending Platforms: Opportunities and Risks
• Digital Identity Management Systems and Security
• Regulatory Challenges in Fintech Innovation
• Financial Inclusion and Access to Banking Services
• Green Finance: Sustainable Investment Strategies
• Socially Responsible Investing and ESG Criteria
• Impact Investing: Financing Social and Environmental Projects
• Microfinance Institutions and Poverty Alleviation
• Financial Literacy Programs and Consumer Empowerment
• Behavioral Finance: Understanding Investor Behavior
• Risk Management Strategies for Financial Institutions
• Corporate Fraud Detection and Prevention Measures
• Financial Market Volatility and Risk Hedging Strategies
• The Role of Central Banks in Monetary Policy Implementation
• Financial Stability and Systemic Risk Management
• Corporate Governance Practices in Banking Sector
• Credit Risk Assessment Models and Default Prediction
• Asset Allocation Strategies for Portfolio Diversification
• Real Estate Investment Strategies for Wealth Accumulation
• Commercial Property Valuation Methods
• Real Estate Crowdfunding Platforms: Opportunities for Investors
• Property Management Best Practices for Rental Properties
• Real Estate Development and Urban Planning
• Mortgage Market Trends and Homeownership Rates
• Affordable Housing Initiatives and Government Policies
• The Impact of Interest Rates on Real Estate Investments
• Sustainable Architecture and Green Building Design
• Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Tax Implications
• The Influence of Demographic Trends on Housing Demand
• Residential Property Flipping Strategies and Risks
• Health and Wellness Tourism: Trends and Opportunities
• Medical Tourism Destinations and Quality of Care
• Wellness Retreats and Spa Resorts: Business Models
• The Impact of Technology on Healthcare Delivery
• Telemedicine and Remote Patient Monitoring
• Healthcare Data Security and Privacy Regulations
• Healthcare Financing Models: Insurance vs. Out-of-Pocket
• Value-Based Healthcare Delivery and Payment Models
• Healthcare Workforce Challenges and Solutions
• Healthcare Infrastructure Development in Emerging Markets
• The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Diagnosis
• Precision Medicine: Personalized Treatment Approaches
• Pharmaceutical Industry Trends and Drug Development
• Biotechnology Innovations in Healthcare Solutions
• Mental Health Awareness and Support Services
• Telehealth Adoption and Patient Engagement
• Chronic Disease Management Programs and Prevention
• Health Information Exchange Platforms: Interoperability Challenges
• Patient-Centered Care Models and Outcomes
• The Influence of Healthcare Policies on Access to Care
• Human Resource Management in the Hospitality Industry
• Employee Training and Development in Tourism Sector
• Quality Service Delivery in the Hotel Industry
• Revenue Management Strategies for Hospitality Businesses
• Destination Marketing and Tourism Promotion Campaigns
• Sustainable Tourism Practices and Eco-Friendly Resorts
• Technology Integration in Travel and Tourism Services
• Cultural Heritage Tourism and Conservation Efforts
• Adventure Tourism: Risks and Safety Measures
• The Role of Online Travel Agencies in Tourism Distribution
• Sustainable Transportation Solutions for Tourism
• Food and Beverage Management in Hospitality Operations
• Wellness Tourism: Trends and Market Segmentation
• Airbnb and Short-Term Rental Market Dynamics
• Wellness Retreats and Spas: Market Positioning Strategies
• Community-Based Tourism Development Initiatives
• Luxury Travel Market: Trends and Consumer Preferences
• Aviation Industry Trends and Airline Marketing Strategies
• Sustainable Event Management Practices
• Convention and Exhibition Tourism: Economic Impact
• Destination Management Organizations and Tourism Planning
• Customer Relationship Management in the Tourism Sector
• Online Reputation Management for Hospitality Businesses
• Accessibility and Inclusivity in Tourism Infrastructure
• Cultural Tourism: Heritage Preservation and Promotion
• Agritourism: Farm-to-Table Experiences and Trends
• The Impact of Climate Change on Tourism Destinations
• Wildlife Tourism: Conservation and Responsible Practices
• Wellness Tourism in Developing Countries: Challenges and Opportunities
• The Role of Tour Operators in Sustainable Tourism Development
• Virtual Reality Applications in Tourism Marketing
• The Rise of Medical Tourism: Market Growth and Challenges
• Responsible Travel and Ethical Tourism Practices
• Event Marketing Strategies for Business Success
• Sponsorship and Partnership Opportunities in Event Management
• Technology Integration in Event Planning and Execution
• Event Risk Management and Contingency Planning
• Corporate Event Planning: Trends and Best Practices
• Trade Show Marketing Strategies for Exhibitors
• Sports Event Management : From Planning to Execution
• Sustainable Event Certification Programs and Standards

How To Prepare Research Paper?

Preparing a research paper involves several key steps, from selecting a topic to writing and formatting the final document. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to prepare a research paper:

• Select a Topic: Choose a topic that interests you and aligns with the requirements of your assignment or research objectives. Consider the scope of the topic, its relevance, and the availability of resources for conducting research.
• Conduct Background Research: Read up on books and studies that talk about the same things you want to research. This will help you see what people already know, find out where there are still things we don’t know, and make your research questions or ideas better.
• Develop a Research Question or Thesis Statement: Formulate a clear and focused research question or thesis statement that guides your study. Your research question should be specific, relevant, and capable of being answered through empirical investigation.
• Create an Outline: Organize your ideas and research findings into a logical structure by creating an outline for your research paper. Outline the introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion sections, along with any subheadings or subsections.
• Write the Introduction: Begin your research paper with an interesting introduction. Share some basic info about your topic, explain why your study is important, and clearly state what you’ll be focusing on in your research. The introduction should also outline the structure of the paper.
• Review the Literature: Conduct a comprehensive review of relevant literature to provide context for your study, support your arguments, and identify gaps in existing research. Summarize key findings, theories, and methodologies from previous studies in your literature review.
• Describe the Methodology: Clearly explain the research design, methods, and procedures used to collect and analyze data. Include details on the population/sample, data collection instruments, data analysis techniques, and any ethical considerations.
• Present the Results: Report the findings of your study in a clear and concise manner. Use tables, graphs, or charts to present quantitative data, and provide descriptive analysis for qualitative data. Ensure that your results are relevant to your research question or thesis statement.
• Discuss the Implications: Interpret the results of your study and discuss their implications that are for theory, practice, or policy. Analyze the strengths and limitations of your research, address any unexpected findings, and propose recommendations for future research or action.
• Write the Conclusion: Summarize the key findings and contributions of your study in the conclusion section. Restate your research question or thesis statement, review the main points that you have discussed in the paper, and highlight the significance of your research in advancing knowledge in the field.
• Revise and Edit: Review your research paper for clarity, coherence, and accuracy. Ensure that your arguments are well-supported by evidence, your writing is concise and precise, and your paper follows the appropriate style and formatting guidelines.
• Cite Sources: Acknowledge the contributions of other scholars by properly citing their work in your research paper. Use a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) and include a reference list or bibliography at the end of your paper.
• Proofread: Carefully proofread your research paper to correct any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. Pay attention to formatting details such as margins, font size, and line spacing to ensure consistency throughout the document.
• Get Feedback: Seek feedback from peers, instructors, or mentors to improve the quality of your research paper. Consider their suggestions for revision and make appropriate changes to strengthen your arguments and clarify your writing.
• Finalize the Paper: Make any final revisions or edits based on feedback and proofreading, and then finalize your research paper for submission. Double-check all formatting requirements and ensure that your paper is properly formatted and ready for submission.

Final Thoughts

Researching business topics offers a unique opportunity to delve into the complexities of the modern economy and explore innovative solutions to real-world challenges.

Whether you’re passionate about leadership, marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, or corporate social responsibility, there’s a wealth of knowledge waiting to be discovered. So roll up your sleeves, sharpen your analytical skills, and get ready to make your mark in the world of business research! I hope you find the best and most relevant answer to business topics for research paper. 

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10 Trending Business Management Research Topics in 2024

Home Blog Business Management 10 Trending Business Management Research Topics in 2024

Business management has become essential for staying competitive and profitable in today's fast-paced world. It encompasses understanding all aspects of business, from its structure to finance, marketing, and strategy. Pursuing a postgraduate course in business management, such as PGDM, requires writing a well-researched paper to kickstart one's career. 

However, the biggest challenge lies in selecting a relevant and trending research topic. To help with this, we have compiled a list of ten business management research paper topics that are currently trending in 2024, covering advancements in technology and innovative leadership strategies. Enrolling in Business Management training courses can further enhance your skills and knowledge, enabling you to take your career to new heights. So, let's delve into these cutting-edge topics together and gain insights for career growth.

What are some Good Business Management Research Topics?

Every aspect of business, like strategy, finance, operations, and management, is essential. So, it’s hard to say that a particular area of research is more significant. Choosing the best research topic in business management within your area of interest or specialization is one way to decide what your business management research project will be about. It is also a learning process and an opportunity to showcase your in-depth knowledge. 

But if you want to explore other options, write about trending issues and events in the business world, and learn something new, here’s a list of 10 research proposal topics in business management that can help you create an engaging and practical project. You can also take a CCBA training certification to learn more in-depth about business management. 

Conflict Management in a Work Team

With businesses going global, team management has escalated from merely managing people to guiding, mentoring and resolving conflicts among individuals. Teams with multicultural members from different departments are fertile ground for conflicts. If you are looking for international business management research topics, conflict management in work teams is an excellent option. 

This research will give you an insight into the various causes of conflict and different techniques and methods of conflict resolution within global multi-lingual and multi-cultural teams enabling you to lead teams successfully and keep disruptions minimal. Better teams translate to better productivity and, eventually, revenue. On the personal front, it means career growth, leadership roles, and higher pay scales for you.

The Role of Women in Business Management

In contemporary society, women have made notable strides in shattering patriarchal norms and embracing diverse opportunities and career paths, thereby demonstrating their strength and autonomy. While women encounter challenges in assuming leadership roles, often stemming from prevailing cultural attitudes, their presence in business management positions is more prevalent than commonly perceived. This prompts inquiry into the factors that contribute to the exceptional success of certain women in managerial positions and the unique value they bring to such roles. Exploring this subject through qualitative research could yield insightful findings regarding women's impact on business management.

Issues that Affect the Management of Business Startups

The COVID-19 pandemic drove everyone online and created a new digital startup ecosystem. However, while it may be easy to set up a digital business, sustenance, scaling, and growth are some of the challenges that follow. If you are entrepreneurial, your research title about business management should read something like “Challenges in the startup ecosystem.” Such research covers issues that affect the management of business startups. It covers the various factors that lead to success and the pitfalls and obstacles on the growth trajectory. It covers effective strategies to mitigate or work around challenges, and this is where you can get creative. Limiting your research to startups is okay, but you can also cover significant ground across other business models.

Consequences of Excessive Work in Business

Work-life balance is the buzzword in today’s business environment. If you choose to write your thesis on the impact of excessive work in business, it could well escalate to international levels as everyone talks about employee well-being, from corporates to SMEs and top management to HR. 

The single most significant reason behind this is the instances of early burnout seen in the past. Secondly, globalization is another cause for concern since people are often required to work multiple shifts. Lastly, the recent trend of post-Covid layoffs that have driven the need for side hustle makes it even more necessary to keep track of how hectic business operations are. 

Why You Should Start a New Business After One Fails

Failure is the steppingstone to success. Or so the saying goes. The recent outcrop of start-ups has proven this to be true. If one venture fails, do not give up. Learn from the experience and start again. Not only is that the mantra of the current generation, but it is also among the trending quantitative research topics in business management. 

The main objective and outcome of this business management research topic are to explore lessons learned from failures, the advantages of starting afresh, and the strategies for overcoming the fear of failure.

Importance of Inter-organizational Leadership and Networks

This research focuses on managing global networks in leadership roles. It is among the hot favorite research topics for business management students considering how businesses are going global. If you are an aspiring global entrepreneur or leader, you would want to know more about local and global inter-organizational networks, how things work, how people communicate, etc. Researching inter-organizational leadership and networks can provide insights into businesses' challenges and opportunities when building and maintaining relationships. Managing these relationships is another challenging part of the process, and that is what you will learn through this research. 

How to Manage Organizational Crisis in Business

Not only is crisis management a critical leadership skill, but today's turbulent business environment is fertile ground for an organizational crisis. Globalization, digitization, and the startup ecosystem have disrupted the environment. Barring corporates, a crisis can strike any business at any time and bailing out of that crisis is the responsibility of the business leadership. Managing an organizational crisis in business is a popular business management research paper topic, especially among MBA students, PGDM, and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Product and Service Development in a Strategic Alliance

When it comes to research paper topics related to business management, one area worth exploring is product bundling in a strategic alliance. The ICICI credit card offered to online customers of Amazon India is a classic example.

Development of such strategic products or services requires in-depth product knowledge, knowledge of finance, and of course, a strategic mindset. If you have a strategic mindset and interest in product management, this is one of your best business management research project topics.

Innovation and Network Markets as a Business Strategy

Innovation and Network marketing is an emerging and strategic business model for startups. When entrepreneurs need more resources to raise seed or venture capital for their businesses, they elect to market their products through networking. Social Media platforms like Facebook offer substantial networking opportunities. Choose this probe as your quantitative research topic for business management if you have entrepreneurial aspirations to understand every aspect of this business model and strategy in depth.

Social Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

Social enterprise is any business having a social objective and undertaking activities in the public interest. Writing a research paper on social enterprises and entrepreneurship will lead you to explore opportunities that can bring an innovative change in society and hold business potential. One thing to remember if you want to explore social enterprise and entrepreneurship as one of several business management research titles is that the organizational goal is primarily social impact rather than revenue generation. This research will make you more open to an inclusive idea of growth by bringing you closer to social causes, marginalized communities, and people thriving in them.

Business Research: Types and Methodologies

Business research, like any other research, involves the collection of data and information about your chosen topic, analysis of the information and data gathered, and exploring new possibilities in the field. 

Broadly speaking, research may be of two types – Quantitative or Qualitative. Quantitative research, also called empirical research, involves the collection of data from sample groups to answer a question. Qualitative research has more to do with the impact of certain phenomena. Such research is usually an extension of previously researched topics. 

The table below highlights the difference between quantitative research topics in business management and qualitative research about business management. 

How to Find Business Research Topics?

This is just our list of hot and trending business research topics. To help you discover more research project topics on business management, here are some quick-follow tips:

Identify Your Interests

Start by making a list of the various aspects of business management that interest you. Rate them on a scale of 1-10, with one being the least liked and 10 being your most favorite. You can also narrow down your topic to a specific niche while seeking sample research topics in business management.

Read Academic Journals

You might want to conduct preliminary research on a few of the topics you shortlisted to see if something interesting jumps out at you. One way to do this is by reading academic journals related to your selected area of business management. Findings by earlier researchers may trigger innovative thought.

Attend Events

Attending business events like seminars, conferences, and webinars on topics of interest can help you narrow down your list of research topics related to business management. It is also an excellent way to gather knowledge about your area of interest as well as to grow your network.

Consult your supervisor or Mentor

Your thesis supervisor is a valuable resource when searching for the best research topics in business management. They can guide you about relevant research areas and help you identify potential research questions apart from guiding you on research presentation.

Use Online Resources

Many research journals online allow students access to research papers either free of cost or in exchange for a small fee. Explore this resource and sign up for a few that are relevant to your area of interest.

The world of business management is constantly evolving and finding the right business management research topic might seem like a Herculean task. But, with a little thought, planning, and some research, it is not that hard. So, the 10 topics we've explored in this blog represent some of the most significant areas of development in the field of business management today, from the rise of women as business leaders and to the importance of innovation and network markets. As we move into 2024 and beyond, it's clear that these topics will only continue to grow in importance, shaping the way we do business and interact with the world around us. By staying informed and engaged with the latest research and trends, you can position yourself as a thought leader and innovator in the world of business management. 

Also, our pointers on how to discover a business management research topic will help you identify a list of research topics in business management for your thesis. You can then narrow it down to your area of talent or interest. If you still want to know more, you can enroll in our  KnowledgeHut Business Management training , where you’ll learn more about the different aspects of business. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Business management is wide in scope, and there is a spectrum of research topics to choose from. The most prominent areas of business include finance, operations, procurement, marketing, and HR. Within each of these, you’ll find several macro and micro niches to explore.

An example of a business research study could be investigating the impact of social media marketing on consumer buying behavior or examining the effectiveness of a new leadership development program in a company.

The 4 types of business research include:

• Exploratory
• Descriptive

Mansoor Mohammed

Mansoor Mohammed is a dynamic and energetic Enterprise Agile Coach, P3M & PMO Consultant, Trainer, Mentor, and Practitioner with over 20 years of experience in Strategy Execution and Business Agility. With a background in Avionics, Financial Services, Banking, Telecommunications, Retail, and Digital, Mansoor has led global infrastructure and software development teams, launched innovative products, and enabled Organizational Change Management. As a results-driven leader, he excels in collaborating, adapting, and driving partnerships with stakeholders at all levels. With expertise in Change Management, Transformation, Lean, Agile, and Organizational Design, Mansoor is passionate about aligning strategic goals and delivering creative solutions for successful business outcomes. Connect with him to explore change, Agile Governance, implementation delivery, and the future of work.

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Tips for writing a good quality Management Research Paper

Before you start writing a good quality management and business research paper, let us first understand what one is. A management and business research paper is a paper written by professionals, scholars and scientists, who are strongly associated with management and business and information technology in general, which may be a research study. If you are novel to this field, then you can consult with your supervisor or guide.

Techniques for writing a good quality management and business research paper:

Choosing the topic: In most cases, the topic is selected by the interests of the author, but it can also be suggested by the guides. You can have several topics, and then judge which you are most comfortable with. This may be done by asking several questions of yourself, like "Will I be able to carry out a search in this area? Will I find all necessary resources to accomplish the search? Will I be able to find all information in this field area?" If the answer to this type of question is "yes," then you ought to choose that topic. In most cases, you may have to conduct surveys and visit several places. Also, you might have to do a lot of work to find all the rises and falls of the various data on that subject. Sometimes, detailed information plays a vital role, instead of short information. Evaluators are human: The first thing to remember is that evaluators are also human beings. They are not only meant for rejecting a paper. They are here to evaluate your paper. So present your best aspect.

Think like evaluators: If you are in confusion or getting demotivated because your paper may not be accepted by the evaluators, then think, and try to evaluate your paper like an evaluator. Try to understand what an evaluator wants in your research paper, and you will automatically have your answer. Make blueprints of paper: The outline is the plan or framework that will help you to arrange your thoughts. It will make your paper logical. But remember that all points of your outline must be related to the topic you have chosen.

Ask your guides: If you are having any difficulty with your research, then do not hesitate to share your difficulty with your guide (if you have one). They will surely help you out and resolve your doubts. If you can't clarify what exactly you require for your work, then ask your supervisor to help you with an alternative. He or she might also provide you with a list of essential readings.

Use of computer is recommended: As you are doing research in the field of management and business then this point is quite obvious. Use right software: Always use good quality software packages. If you are not capable of judging good software, then you can lose the quality of your paper unknowingly. There are various programs available to help you which you can get through the internet.

Use the internet for help: An excellent start for your paper is using Google. It is a wondrous search engine, where you can have your doubts resolved. You may also read some answers for the frequent question of how to write your research paper or find a model research paper. You can download books from the internet. If you have all the required books, place importance on reading, selecting, and analyzing the specified information. Then sketch out your research paper. Use big pictures: You may use encyclopedias like Wikipedia to get pictures with the best resolution. At Global Journals, you should strictly follow here .

Bookmarks are useful: When you read any book or magazine, you generally use bookmarks, right? It is a good habit which helps to not lose your continuity. You should always use bookmarks while searching on the internet also, which will make your search easier.

Revise what you wrote: When you write anything, always read it, summarize it, and then finalize it.

Make every effort: Make every effort to mention what you are going to write in your paper. That means always have a good start. Try to mention everything in the introduction—what is the need for a particular research paper. Polish your work with good writing skills and always give an evaluator what he wants. Make backups: When you are going to do any important thing like making a research paper, you should always have backup copies of it either on your computer or on paper. This protects you from losing any portion of your important data.

Produce good diagrams of your own: Always try to include good charts or diagrams in your paper to improve quality. Using several unnecessary diagrams will degrade the quality of your paper by creating a hodgepodge. So always try to include diagrams which were made by you to improve the readability of your paper. Use of direct quotes: When you do research relevant to literature, history, or current affairs, then use of quotes becomes essential, but if the study is relevant to science, use of quotes is not preferable.

Use proper verb tense: Use proper verb tenses in your paper. Use past tense to present those events that have happened. Use present tense to indicate events that are going on. Use future tense to indicate events that will happen in the future. Use of wrong tenses will confuse the evaluator. Avoid sentences that are incomplete.

Pick a good study spot: Always try to pick a spot for your research which is quiet. Not every spot is good for studying.

Know what you know: Always try to know what you know by making objectives, otherwise you will be confused and unable to achieve your target.

Use good grammar: Always use good grammar and words that will have a positive impact on the evaluator; use of good vocabulary does not mean using tough words which the evaluator has to find in a dictionary. Do not fragment sentences. Eliminate one-word sentences. Do not ever use a big word when a smaller one would suffice.

Verbs have to be in agreement with their subjects. In a research paper, do not start sentences with conjunctions or finish them with prepositions. When writing formally, it is advisable to never split an infinitive because someone will (wrongly) complain. Avoid clichés like a disease. Always shun irritating alliteration. Use language which is simple and straightforward. Put together a neat summary.

Arrangement of information: Each section of the main body should start with an opening sentence, and there should be a changeover at the end of the section. Give only valid and powerful arguments for your topic. You may also maintain your arguments with records.

Never start at the last minute: Always allow enough time for research work. Leaving everything to the last minute will degrade your paper and spoil your work.

Multitasking in research is not good: Doing several things at the same time is a bad habit in the case of research activity. Research is an area where everything has a particular time slot. Divide your research work into parts, and do a particular part in a particular time slot.

Never copy others' work: Never copy others' work and give it your name because if the evaluator has seen it anywhere, you will be in trouble. Take proper rest and food: No matter how many hours you spend on your research activity, if you are not taking care of your health, then all your efforts will have been in vain. For quality research, take proper rest and food.

Go to seminars: Attend seminars if the topic is relevant to your research area. Utilize all your resources.

Refresh your mind after intervals: Try to give your mind a rest by listening to soft music or sleeping in intervals. This will also improve your memory. Acquire colleagues: Always try to acquire colleagues. No matter how sharp you are, if you acquire colleagues, they can give you ideas which will be helpful to your research.

Think technically: Always think technically. If anything happens, search for its reasons, benefits, and demerits. Think and then print: When you go to print your paper, check that tables are not split, headings are not detached from their descriptions, and page sequence is maintained.

Adding unnecessary information: Do not add unnecessary information like "I have used MS Excel to draw graphs." Irrelevant and inappropriate material is superfluous. Foreign terminology and phrases are not apropos. One should never take a broad view. Analogy is like feathers on a snake. Use words properly, regardless of how others use them. Remove quotations. Puns are for kids, not grunt readers. Never oversimplify: When adding material to your research paper, never go for oversimplification; this will definitely irritate the evaluator. Be specific. Never use rhythmic redundancies. Contractions shouldn't be used in a research paper. Comparisons are as terrible as clichés. Give up ampersands, abbreviations, and so on. Remove commas that are not necessary. Parenthetical words should be between brackets or commas. Understatement is always the best way to put forward earth-shaking thoughts. Give a detailed literary review.

Report concluded results: Use concluded results. From raw data, filter the results, and then conclude your studies based on measurements and observations taken. An appropriate number of decimal places should be used. Parenthetical remarks are prohibited here. Proofread carefully at the final stage. At the end, give an outline to your arguments. Spot perspectives of further study of the subject. Justify your conclusion at the bottom sufficiently, which will probably include examples.

Upon conclusion: Once you have concluded your research, the next most important step is to present your findings. Presentation is extremely important as it is the definite medium though which your research is going to be in print for the rest of the crowd. Care should be taken to categorize your thoughts well and present them in a logical and neat manner. A good quality research paper format is essential because it serves to highlight your research paper and bring to light all necessary aspects of your research.

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How to Write a Business Paper in APA Format

Table of Contents

The APA format is one of the standard business paper formatting styles. When writing your business paper, it’s vital to follow this style, as failure to do this can lead to serious plagiarism accusations. Check each step of your business paper writing to ensure it follows the required standards.

The APA formatting style allows you to communicate the business paper’s main topic efficiently. This style simplifies the writing process and provides a recognizable structure that is easy to follow. Below are the rules for writing a business paper in APA format.

For the APA style format, type your piece of writing onto a standard page of about 8.5″ x 11″ with a margin of 1″ on both sides. The space for the lining should be 2.0 with no additional spacing between the paragraphs in your business paper writing. For all the paragraphs, the first line should be indented to about 0.5″, which creates a hanging indent.

Writing a business paper essay in APA format takes time as you have to plan and follow each step. College life can be full of assignments that should be completed within the set deadlines. To make your work easier at the university, you can use the EduBirdie APA format generator to help you create the bibliography page online. It’s easy, and you don’t need an account to use this tool for your online studying. With a great essay, you will quickly improve your education grades at school. You will also save a lot of time learning different concepts for other units taught at the college.

The page header

Each page of your business paper writing needs to include a page header often referred to as “running head.” Ensure that you follow the APA guide for specifics. You can have your title flush left in capital letters or the page number flush right in the page header. If you must include the page title, ensure that you shorten it to about 50 characters because you have limited space in the page header.

The font used in the APA format should ensure that your piece of writing is legible to all readers and consistent throughout the business paper. Even though there are no specific guidelines you should follow, the instructor will always give the font size required.

The standard fonts that most instructors usually use include:

• 12-point Times New Roman
• 11-point Arial
• 11-point Georgia
• 11-point Calibri

The APA title page of your business paper contains the title of the business paper. It should include the course name, registration number, instructor’s name, page number, and due date.

The title of the business paper contains the first words that reach out to the reader. That is why it should be concise, limited to a few characters, and focused. The recommended length of the title should be about 12 words.

Avoid filler words or abbreviations, as they may be useless to the reader. Immediately after your title, the author’s name should follow in the right order. It should start with the first name, initial/middle name, and last name. After that, type your institution affiliations, followed by course number and instructor’s name. The last thing on the title page should be the date when the assignment is due.

The abstract

Just like the title page, your abstract will also have a dedicated page. The first line of this page should be the word “Abstract.” It should be centered and bold with no italics, quotation marks, or underlining.

The following line of the abstract page should begin with a concise summary of your work. Ensure that you flush it to the left with no indentation. The main purpose of the abstract is to introduce the reader to your research and entice them to read the whole paper. It should contain the research topics, methods, main questions, sentences on results, and conclusions.

Depending on the instructor’s guidelines, you might also be required to include a list of keywords that helps the reader to find your work within different online databases.

The main body

Because a business paper details complicated business issues and demonstrates how to solve the issue, you might be required to have the introduction, methods used, results obtained, and discussion section. The headings and paragraph styles are more significant in the body.

There are different types of headings that are covered in the APA formatting style. There is level one up to level five. In level one, the text for this section begins as a new paragraph. The heading must be centered and bold. For level two, the heading must be flushed left and bold with the text beginning as a new paragraph.

Level three is slightly different as the heading is flushed to the left, bold and italicized though the text is not italicized in the new paragraph. For level four, the heading must be indented, italicized, bold, and end with a period. The text should begin on the same line and continue as a standard paragraph.

The last type of heading style you can use is the level, whereby the heading should also be indented, italicized, bold, and end with a period. For this style, the test should continue on the same line as a standard paragraph with no italicization.

In-text citations

When citing a text within a paragraph in your business paper, you should enclose the author’s last name and the publication year in parentheses. This should be at the end of the sentence before a period. If you are referencing a chapter or page of a large article, ensure that you include page numbers at the end of the citation.

The category under which the citation falls determines the rules you will use in your business paper. For the short quotations, you must include the author, publication dates, and the page number for the text reference. On the other hand, when quoting a long section, you must write it as an entire paragraph indented within 0.5 inches from the left margin.

Suppose the source that you are quoting doesn’t have a page number. In that case, you can choose another logical identifier, like the table number, chapter number, or even the available verses.

Referencing your business paper

References are usually incorporated in the last section of your business paper. A whole page should be dedicated to referencing; each citation in the body must be included in this section. The list of the sources used for the referencing should be organized in alphabetical order.

The referencing styles for the APA format used in the body should also be followed precisely in this section. If you have used any online source, ensure that you include a DOI link at the end of the citation. The first line of the reference must be flushed to the left, and you require more than one line for each reference.

Writing a business paper in APA style takes time as you have to follow all the guidelines outlined. You can use a citation generator to help create the bibliography page to save time. Ensure that all references are written correctly. Following the set guidelines will obtain a great score in your business paper writing.

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Home » Research Paper Format – Types, Examples and Templates

Research Paper Format – Types, Examples and Templates

Table of Contents

Research paper format is an essential aspect of academic writing that plays a crucial role in the communication of research findings . The format of a research paper depends on various factors such as the discipline, style guide, and purpose of the research. It includes guidelines for the structure, citation style, referencing , and other elements of the paper that contribute to its overall presentation and coherence. Adhering to the appropriate research paper format is vital for ensuring that the research is accurately and effectively communicated to the intended audience. In this era of information, it is essential to understand the different research paper formats and their guidelines to communicate research effectively, accurately, and with the required level of detail. This post aims to provide an overview of some of the common research paper formats used in academic writing.

Research Paper Formats

Research Paper Formats are as follows:

• APA (American Psychological Association) format
• MLA (Modern Language Association) format
• Chicago/Turabian style
• IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) format
• AMA (American Medical Association) style
• Harvard style
• Vancouver style
• ACS (American Chemical Society) style
• ASA (American Sociological Association) style
• APSA (American Political Science Association) style

APA (American Psychological Association) Format

Here is a general APA format for a research paper:

• Title Page: The title page should include the title of your paper, your name, and your institutional affiliation. It should also include a running head, which is a shortened version of the title, and a page number in the upper right-hand corner.
• Abstract : The abstract is a brief summary of your paper, typically 150-250 words. It should include the purpose of your research, the main findings, and any implications or conclusions that can be drawn.
• Introduction: The introduction should provide background information on your topic, state the purpose of your research, and present your research question or hypothesis. It should also include a brief literature review that discusses previous research on your topic.
• Methods: The methods section should describe the procedures you used to collect and analyze your data. It should include information on the participants, the materials and instruments used, and the statistical analyses performed.
• Results: The results section should present the findings of your research in a clear and concise manner. Use tables and figures to help illustrate your results.
• Discussion : The discussion section should interpret your results and relate them back to your research question or hypothesis. It should also discuss the implications of your findings and any limitations of your study.
• References : The references section should include a list of all sources cited in your paper. Follow APA formatting guidelines for your citations and references.

Some additional tips for formatting your APA research paper:

• Use 12-point Times New Roman font throughout the paper.
• Double-space all text, including the references.
• Use 1-inch margins on all sides of the page.
• Indent the first line of each paragraph by 0.5 inches.
• Use a hanging indent for the references (the first line should be flush with the left margin, and all subsequent lines should be indented).
• Number all pages, including the title page and references page, in the upper right-hand corner.

APA Research Paper Format Template

APA Research Paper Format Template is as follows:

Title Page:

• Title of the paper
• Author’s name
• Institutional affiliation
• A brief summary of the main points of the paper, including the research question, methods, findings, and conclusions. The abstract should be no more than 250 words.

Introduction:

• Background information on the topic of the research paper
• Research question or hypothesis
• Significance of the study
• Overview of the research methods and design
• Brief summary of the main findings
• Participants: description of the sample population, including the number of participants and their characteristics (age, gender, ethnicity, etc.)
• Materials: description of any materials used in the study (e.g., survey questions, experimental apparatus)
• Procedure: detailed description of the steps taken to conduct the study
• Presentation of the findings of the study, including statistical analyses if applicable
• Tables and figures may be included to illustrate the results

Discussion:

• Interpretation of the results in light of the research question and hypothesis
• Implications of the study for the field
• Limitations of the study
• Suggestions for future research

References:

• A list of all sources cited in the paper, in APA format

Formatting guidelines:

• Double-spaced
• 12-point font (Times New Roman or Arial)
• 1-inch margins on all sides
• Page numbers in the top right corner
• Headings and subheadings should be used to organize the paper
• The first line of each paragraph should be indented
• Quotations of 40 or more words should be set off in a block quote with no quotation marks
• In-text citations should include the author’s last name and year of publication (e.g., Smith, 2019)

APA Research Paper Format Example

APA Research Paper Format Example is as follows:

The Effects of Social Media on Mental Health

University of XYZ

This study examines the relationship between social media use and mental health among college students. Data was collected through a survey of 500 students at the University of XYZ. Results suggest that social media use is significantly related to symptoms of depression and anxiety, and that the negative effects of social media are greater among frequent users.

Social media has become an increasingly important aspect of modern life, especially among young adults. While social media can have many positive effects, such as connecting people across distances and sharing information, there is growing concern about its impact on mental health. This study aims to examine the relationship between social media use and mental health among college students.

Participants: Participants were 500 college students at the University of XYZ, recruited through online advertisements and flyers posted on campus. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 25, with a mean age of 20.5 years. The sample was 60% female, 40% male, and 5% identified as non-binary or gender non-conforming.

Data was collected through an online survey administered through Qualtrics. The survey consisted of several measures, including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression symptoms, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) for anxiety symptoms, and questions about social media use.

Procedure :

Participants were asked to complete the online survey at their convenience. The survey took approximately 20-30 minutes to complete. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlations, and multiple regression analysis.

Results indicated that social media use was significantly related to symptoms of depression (r = .32, p < .001) and anxiety (r = .29, p < .001). Regression analysis indicated that frequency of social media use was a significant predictor of both depression symptoms (β = .24, p < .001) and anxiety symptoms (β = .20, p < .001), even when controlling for age, gender, and other relevant factors.

The results of this study suggest that social media use is associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety among college students. The negative effects of social media are greater among frequent users. These findings have important implications for mental health professionals and educators, who should consider addressing the potential negative effects of social media use in their work with young adults.

References :

References should be listed in alphabetical order according to the author’s last name. For example:

• Chou, H. T. G., & Edge, N. (2012). “They are happier and having better lives than I am”: The impact of using Facebook on perceptions of others’ lives. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 15(2), 117-121.
• Twenge, J. M., Joiner, T. E., Rogers, M. L., & Martin, G. N. (2018). Increases in depressive symptoms, suicide-related outcomes, and suicide rates among U.S. adolescents after 2010 and links to increased new media screen time. Clinical Psychological Science, 6(1), 3-17.

Note: This is just a sample Example do not use this in your assignment.

MLA (Modern Language Association) Format

MLA (Modern Language Association) Format is as follows:

• Page Layout : Use 8.5 x 11-inch white paper, with 1-inch margins on all sides. The font should be 12-point Times New Roman or a similar serif font.
• Heading and Title : The first page of your research paper should include a heading and a title. The heading should include your name, your instructor’s name, the course title, and the date. The title should be centered and in title case (capitalizing the first letter of each important word).
• In-Text Citations : Use parenthetical citations to indicate the source of your information. The citation should include the author’s last name and the page number(s) of the source. For example: (Smith 23).
• Works Cited Page : At the end of your paper, include a Works Cited page that lists all the sources you used in your research. Each entry should include the author’s name, the title of the work, the publication information, and the medium of publication.
• Formatting Quotations : Use double quotation marks for short quotations and block quotations for longer quotations. Indent the entire quotation five spaces from the left margin.
• Formatting the Body : Use a clear and readable font and double-space your text throughout. The first line of each paragraph should be indented one-half inch from the left margin.

MLA Research Paper Template

MLA Research Paper Format Template is as follows:

• Use 8.5 x 11 inch white paper.
• Use a 12-point font, such as Times New Roman.
• Use double-spacing throughout the entire paper, including the title page and works cited page.
• Set the margins to 1 inch on all sides.
• Use page numbers in the upper right corner, beginning with the first page of text.
• Include a centered title for the research paper, using title case (capitalizing the first letter of each important word).
• Include your name, instructor’s name, course name, and date in the upper left corner, double-spaced.

In-Text Citations

• When quoting or paraphrasing information from sources, include an in-text citation within the text of your paper.
• Use the author’s last name and the page number in parentheses at the end of the sentence, before the punctuation mark.
• If the author’s name is mentioned in the sentence, only include the page number in parentheses.

Works Cited Page

• List all sources cited in alphabetical order by the author’s last name.
• Each entry should include the author’s name, title of the work, publication information, and medium of publication.
• Use italics for book and journal titles, and quotation marks for article and chapter titles.
• For online sources, include the date of access and the URL.

Here is an example of how the first page of a research paper in MLA format should look:

Headings and Subheadings

• Use headings and subheadings to organize your paper and make it easier to read.
• Use numerals to number your headings and subheadings (e.g. 1, 2, 3), and capitalize the first letter of each word.
• The main heading should be centered and in boldface type, while subheadings should be left-aligned and in italics.
• Use only one space after each period or punctuation mark.
• Use quotation marks to indicate direct quotes from a source.
• If the quote is more than four lines, format it as a block quote, indented one inch from the left margin and without quotation marks.
• Use ellipses (…) to indicate omitted words from a quote, and brackets ([…]) to indicate added words.

Works Cited Examples

• Book: Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Publication Year.
• Journal Article: Last Name, First Name. “Title of Article.” Title of Journal, volume number, issue number, publication date, page numbers.
• Website: Last Name, First Name. “Title of Webpage.” Title of Website, publication date, URL. Accessed date.

Here is an example of how a works cited entry for a book should look:

Smith, John. The Art of Writing Research Papers. Penguin, 2021.

MLA Research Paper Example

MLA Research Paper Format Example is as follows:

Your Professor’s Name

Course Name and Number

Date (in Day Month Year format)

Word Count (not including title page or Works Cited)

Title: The Impact of Video Games on Aggression Levels

Video games have become a popular form of entertainment among people of all ages. However, the impact of video games on aggression levels has been a subject of debate among scholars and researchers. While some argue that video games promote aggression and violent behavior, others argue that there is no clear link between video games and aggression levels. This research paper aims to explore the impact of video games on aggression levels among young adults.

Background:

The debate on the impact of video games on aggression levels has been ongoing for several years. According to the American Psychological Association, exposure to violent media, including video games, can increase aggression levels in children and adolescents. However, some researchers argue that there is no clear evidence to support this claim. Several studies have been conducted to examine the impact of video games on aggression levels, but the results have been mixed.

Methodology:

This research paper used a quantitative research approach to examine the impact of video games on aggression levels among young adults. A sample of 100 young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 was selected for the study. The participants were asked to complete a questionnaire that measured their aggression levels and their video game habits.

The results of the study showed that there was a significant correlation between video game habits and aggression levels among young adults. The participants who reported playing violent video games for more than 5 hours per week had higher aggression levels than those who played less than 5 hours per week. The study also found that male participants were more likely to play violent video games and had higher aggression levels than female participants.

The findings of this study support the claim that video games can increase aggression levels among young adults. However, it is important to note that the study only examined the impact of video games on aggression levels and did not take into account other factors that may contribute to aggressive behavior. It is also important to note that not all video games promote violence and aggression, and some games may have a positive impact on cognitive and social skills.

Conclusion :

In conclusion, this research paper provides evidence to support the claim that video games can increase aggression levels among young adults. However, it is important to conduct further research to examine the impact of video games on other aspects of behavior and to explore the potential benefits of video games. Parents and educators should be aware of the potential impact of video games on aggression levels and should encourage young adults to engage in a variety of activities that promote cognitive and social skills.

Works Cited:

• American Psychological Association. (2017). Violent Video Games: Myths, Facts, and Unanswered Questions. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2017/08/violent-video-games
• Ferguson, C. J. (2015). Do Angry Birds make for angry children? A meta-analysis of video game influences on children’s and adolescents’ aggression, mental health, prosocial behavior, and academic performance. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 10(5), 646-666.
• Gentile, D. A., Swing, E. L., Lim, C. G., & Khoo, A. (2012). Video game playing, attention problems, and impulsiveness: Evidence of bidirectional causality. Psychology of Popular Media Culture, 1(1), 62-70.
• Greitemeyer, T. (2014). Effects of prosocial video games on prosocial behavior. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 106(4), 530-548.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Chicago/Turabian Formate is as follows:

• Margins : Use 1-inch margins on all sides of the paper.
• Font : Use a readable font such as Times New Roman or Arial, and use a 12-point font size.
• Page numbering : Number all pages in the upper right-hand corner, beginning with the first page of text. Use Arabic numerals.
• Title page: Include a title page with the title of the paper, your name, course title and number, instructor’s name, and the date. The title should be centered on the page and in title case (capitalize the first letter of each word).
• Headings: Use headings to organize your paper. The first level of headings should be centered and in boldface or italics. The second level of headings should be left-aligned and in boldface or italics. Use as many levels of headings as necessary to organize your paper.
• In-text citations : Use footnotes or endnotes to cite sources within the text of your paper. The first citation for each source should be a full citation, and subsequent citations can be shortened. Use superscript numbers to indicate footnotes or endnotes.
• Bibliography : Include a bibliography at the end of your paper, listing all sources cited in your paper. The bibliography should be in alphabetical order by the author’s last name, and each entry should include the author’s name, title of the work, publication information, and date of publication.
• Formatting of quotations: Use block quotations for quotations that are longer than four lines. Indent the entire quotation one inch from the left margin, and do not use quotation marks. Single-space the quotation, and double-space between paragraphs.
• Tables and figures: Use tables and figures to present data and illustrations. Number each table and figure sequentially, and provide a brief title for each. Place tables and figures as close as possible to the text that refers to them.
• Spelling and grammar : Use correct spelling and grammar throughout your paper. Proofread carefully for errors.

Chicago/Turabian Research Paper Template

Chicago/Turabian Research Paper Template is as folows:

Title of Paper

Name of Student

Professor’s Name

I. Introduction

A. Background Information

B. Research Question

C. Thesis Statement

II. Literature Review

A. Overview of Existing Literature

B. Analysis of Key Literature

C. Identification of Gaps in Literature

III. Methodology

A. Research Design

B. Data Collection

C. Data Analysis

IV. Results

A. Presentation of Findings

B. Analysis of Findings

C. Discussion of Implications

V. Conclusion

A. Summary of Findings

B. Implications for Future Research

C. Conclusion

VI. References

A. Bibliography

B. In-Text Citations

VII. Appendices (if necessary)

A. Data Tables

C. Additional Supporting Materials

Chicago/Turabian Research Paper Example

Title: The Impact of Social Media on Political Engagement

Name: John Smith

Class: POLS 101

Professor: Dr. Jane Doe

Date: April 8, 2023

I. Introduction:

Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. People use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to connect with friends and family, share their opinions, and stay informed about current events. With the rise of social media, there has been a growing interest in understanding its impact on various aspects of society, including political engagement. In this paper, I will examine the relationship between social media use and political engagement, specifically focusing on how social media influences political participation and political attitudes.

II. Literature Review:

There is a growing body of literature on the impact of social media on political engagement. Some scholars argue that social media has a positive effect on political participation by providing new channels for political communication and mobilization (Delli Carpini & Keeter, 1996; Putnam, 2000). Others, however, suggest that social media can have a negative impact on political engagement by creating filter bubbles that reinforce existing beliefs and discourage political dialogue (Pariser, 2011; Sunstein, 2001).

III. Methodology:

To examine the relationship between social media use and political engagement, I conducted a survey of 500 college students. The survey included questions about social media use, political participation, and political attitudes. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis.

Iv. Results:

The results of the survey indicate that social media use is positively associated with political participation. Specifically, respondents who reported using social media to discuss politics were more likely to have participated in a political campaign, attended a political rally, or contacted a political representative. Additionally, social media use was found to be associated with more positive attitudes towards political engagement, such as increased trust in government and belief in the effectiveness of political action.

V. Conclusion:

The findings of this study suggest that social media has a positive impact on political engagement, by providing new opportunities for political communication and mobilization. However, there is also a need for caution, as social media can also create filter bubbles that reinforce existing beliefs and discourage political dialogue. Future research should continue to explore the complex relationship between social media and political engagement, and develop strategies to harness the potential benefits of social media while mitigating its potential negative effects.

Vii. References:

• Delli Carpini, M. X., & Keeter, S. (1996). What Americans know about politics and why it matters. Yale University Press.
• Pariser, E. (2011). The filter bubble: What the Internet is hiding from you. Penguin.
• Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling alone: The collapse and revival of American community. Simon & Schuster.
• Sunstein, C. R. (2001). Republic.com. Princeton University Press.

IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) Format

IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) Research Paper Format is as follows:

• Title : A concise and informative title that accurately reflects the content of the paper.
• Abstract : A brief summary of the paper, typically no more than 250 words, that includes the purpose of the study, the methods used, the key findings, and the main conclusions.
• Introduction : An overview of the background, context, and motivation for the research, including a clear statement of the problem being addressed and the objectives of the study.
• Literature review: A critical analysis of the relevant research and scholarship on the topic, including a discussion of any gaps or limitations in the existing literature.
• Methodology : A detailed description of the methods used to collect and analyze data, including any experiments or simulations, data collection instruments or procedures, and statistical analyses.
• Results : A clear and concise presentation of the findings, including any relevant tables, graphs, or figures.
• Discussion : A detailed interpretation of the results, including a comparison of the findings with previous research, a discussion of the implications of the results, and any recommendations for future research.
• Conclusion : A summary of the key findings and main conclusions of the study.
• References : A list of all sources cited in the paper, formatted according to IEEE guidelines.

In addition to these elements, an IEEE research paper should also follow certain formatting guidelines, including using 12-point font, double-spaced text, and numbered headings and subheadings. Additionally, any tables, figures, or equations should be clearly labeled and referenced in the text.

AMA (American Medical Association) Style

AMA (American Medical Association) Style Research Paper Format:

• Title Page: This page includes the title of the paper, the author’s name, institutional affiliation, and any acknowledgments or disclaimers.
• Abstract: The abstract is a brief summary of the paper that outlines the purpose, methods, results, and conclusions of the study. It is typically limited to 250 words or less.
• Introduction: The introduction provides a background of the research problem, defines the research question, and outlines the objectives and hypotheses of the study.
• Methods: The methods section describes the research design, participants, procedures, and instruments used to collect and analyze data.
• Results: The results section presents the findings of the study in a clear and concise manner, using graphs, tables, and charts where appropriate.
• Discussion: The discussion section interprets the results, explains their significance, and relates them to previous research in the field.
• Conclusion: The conclusion summarizes the main points of the paper, discusses the implications of the findings, and suggests future research directions.
• References: The reference list includes all sources cited in the paper, listed in alphabetical order by author’s last name.

In addition to these sections, the AMA format requires that authors follow specific guidelines for citing sources in the text and formatting their references. The AMA style uses a superscript number system for in-text citations and provides specific formats for different types of sources, such as books, journal articles, and websites.

Harvard Style

Harvard Style Research Paper format is as follows:

• Title page: This should include the title of your paper, your name, the name of your institution, and the date of submission.
• Abstract : This is a brief summary of your paper, usually no more than 250 words. It should outline the main points of your research and highlight your findings.
• Introduction : This section should introduce your research topic, provide background information, and outline your research question or thesis statement.
• Literature review: This section should review the relevant literature on your topic, including previous research studies, academic articles, and other sources.
• Methodology : This section should describe the methods you used to conduct your research, including any data collection methods, research instruments, and sampling techniques.
• Results : This section should present your findings in a clear and concise manner, using tables, graphs, and other visual aids if necessary.
• Discussion : This section should interpret your findings and relate them to the broader research question or thesis statement. You should also discuss the implications of your research and suggest areas for future study.
• Conclusion : This section should summarize your main findings and provide a final statement on the significance of your research.
• References : This is a list of all the sources you cited in your paper, presented in alphabetical order by author name. Each citation should include the author’s name, the title of the source, the publication date, and other relevant information.

In addition to these sections, a Harvard Style research paper may also include a table of contents, appendices, and other supplementary materials as needed. It is important to follow the specific formatting guidelines provided by your instructor or academic institution when preparing your research paper in Harvard Style.

Vancouver Style

Vancouver Style Research Paper format is as follows:

The Vancouver citation style is commonly used in the biomedical sciences and is known for its use of numbered references. Here is a basic format for a research paper using the Vancouver citation style:

• Title page: Include the title of your paper, your name, the name of your institution, and the date.
• Abstract : This is a brief summary of your research paper, usually no more than 250 words.
• Introduction : Provide some background information on your topic and state the purpose of your research.
• Methods : Describe the methods you used to conduct your research, including the study design, data collection, and statistical analysis.
• Results : Present your findings in a clear and concise manner, using tables and figures as needed.
• Discussion : Interpret your results and explain their significance. Also, discuss any limitations of your study and suggest directions for future research.
• References : List all of the sources you cited in your paper in numerical order. Each reference should include the author’s name, the title of the article or book, the name of the journal or publisher, the year of publication, and the page numbers.

ACS (American Chemical Society) Style

ACS (American Chemical Society) Style Research Paper format is as follows:

The American Chemical Society (ACS) Style is a citation style commonly used in chemistry and related fields. When formatting a research paper in ACS Style, here are some guidelines to follow:

• Paper Size and Margins : Use standard 8.5″ x 11″ paper with 1-inch margins on all sides.
• Font: Use a 12-point serif font (such as Times New Roman) for the main text. The title should be in bold and a larger font size.
• Title Page : The title page should include the title of the paper, the authors’ names and affiliations, and the date of submission. The title should be centered on the page and written in bold font. The authors’ names should be centered below the title, followed by their affiliations and the date.
• Abstract : The abstract should be a brief summary of the paper, no more than 250 words. It should be on a separate page and include the title of the paper, the authors’ names and affiliations, and the text of the abstract.
• Main Text : The main text should be organized into sections with headings that clearly indicate the content of each section. The introduction should provide background information and state the research question or hypothesis. The methods section should describe the procedures used in the study. The results section should present the findings of the study, and the discussion section should interpret the results and provide conclusions.
• References: Use the ACS Style guide to format the references cited in the paper. In-text citations should be numbered sequentially throughout the text and listed in numerical order at the end of the paper.
• Figures and Tables: Figures and tables should be numbered sequentially and referenced in the text. Each should have a descriptive caption that explains its content. Figures should be submitted in a high-quality electronic format.
• Supporting Information: Additional information such as data, graphs, and videos may be included as supporting information. This should be included in a separate file and referenced in the main text.
• Acknowledgments : Acknowledge any funding sources or individuals who contributed to the research.

ASA (American Sociological Association) Style

ASA (American Sociological Association) Style Research Paper format is as follows:

• Title Page: The title page of an ASA style research paper should include the title of the paper, the author’s name, and the institutional affiliation. The title should be centered and should be in title case (the first letter of each major word should be capitalized).
• Abstract: An abstract is a brief summary of the paper that should appear on a separate page immediately following the title page. The abstract should be no more than 200 words in length and should summarize the main points of the paper.
• Main Body: The main body of the paper should begin on a new page following the abstract page. The paper should be double-spaced, with 1-inch margins on all sides, and should be written in 12-point Times New Roman font. The main body of the paper should include an introduction, a literature review, a methodology section, results, and a discussion.
• References : The reference section should appear on a separate page at the end of the paper. All sources cited in the paper should be listed in alphabetical order by the author’s last name. Each reference should include the author’s name, the title of the work, the publication information, and the date of publication.
• Appendices : Appendices are optional and should only be included if they contain information that is relevant to the study but too lengthy to be included in the main body of the paper. If you include appendices, each one should be labeled with a letter (e.g., Appendix A, Appendix B, etc.) and should be referenced in the main body of the paper.

APSA (American Political Science Association) Style

APSA (American Political Science Association) Style Research Paper format is as follows:

• Title Page: The title page should include the title of the paper, the author’s name, the name of the course or instructor, and the date.
• Abstract : An abstract is typically not required in APSA style papers, but if one is included, it should be brief and summarize the main points of the paper.
• Introduction : The introduction should provide an overview of the research topic, the research question, and the main argument or thesis of the paper.
• Literature Review : The literature review should summarize the existing research on the topic and provide a context for the research question.
• Methods : The methods section should describe the research methods used in the paper, including data collection and analysis.
• Results : The results section should present the findings of the research.
• Discussion : The discussion section should interpret the results and connect them back to the research question and argument.
• Conclusion : The conclusion should summarize the main findings and implications of the research.
• References : The reference list should include all sources cited in the paper, formatted according to APSA style guidelines.

In-text citations in APSA style use parenthetical citation, which includes the author’s last name, publication year, and page number(s) if applicable. For example, (Smith 2010, 25).

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Management Research Paper

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Management In Developing Countries Research Paper

A November 25, 2006 article in The Economist titled “Steel the Prize” discussed the takeover battle between Tata, an Indian conglomerate, and CSN, a Brazilian Steelmaker, for Corus—Corus is the Anglo Dutch company that absorbed British Steel (p. 64). This may be a harbinger of the face of the future—two giant companies from developing countries, fighting over a developed country asset. The Indian company Tata is emerging as a pioneer in automotive innovation, and China’s carmakers continue to copy cars from traditional automakers (“Carmaking in India” 2006, p. 64); at the same time Chinese-owned businesses are investing around the world, Dubai is establishing itself as a global financial center, and small and large companies from developing countries around the world are now investing in the developed world. What literature there is on management interactions between developing and developed countries implicitly assumes that managers from developed countries will be adapting to the environment in developing countries. The reverse may be more and more the reality of the management challenges of the 21st century.

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In many ways, this is contrary to traditional thinking about developing countries. Until quite recently, the developing countries were seen only as the recipients of aid and investment from the developed world. This may be changing, although the developing countries remain the poorer countries of the world. Much of this research-paper will discuss the implications of wealth, or its lack, on management in developing countries; however, throughout, readers should keep in mind the changing world in which we live because this changing world will determine what effective management is.

At the beginning of the 21st century, there is much discussion of the global nature of business and the need for management to be aware of the impact of globalization on business. There is little question that factors such as the relative ease of movement around the globe, innovations in communication and transportation technology, regional and international free trade agreements, international investment, continuing immigration, and so on, all contribute to a sense of the world being a global village. The reality, however, is that when we talk of globalization and international management, we are usually talking about management in the developed countries of the world. These richer countries account for a large majority of global trade and investment. These rich countries also account for most of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP; the richest 20% of the world earn about 85% of the world’s GDP and the poorest 20% only 1%); however, they represent only about 20% of the world’s population. The focus of this research-paper is on management in the other 80% of the world—the developing world. Figure 1 shows graphically the growth in the gap between the world’s richest and poorest countries from 1820 to 1997.

The most recent negotiations at the World Trade Organization, the Doha Round, had a “development agenda.” These negotiations reached a stalemate in 2006, partly because the growing power of the developing countries meant that these countries would not accept solutions dictated by their richer counterparts. The focus on the developing countries indicates the interest that the world has in these countries. There are a number of reasons for this. First is simply the fact that they do make up about 80% of the world. In addition, the gap between the rich and poor countries has been growing, from 3 to 1 in the late 1800s to 75 to 1 in the late 1900s, and this gap worries many people. On a more positive side, the developing world is of interest because it represents a substantial potential market and workforce, and these countries can provide an array of products and services for the rest of the world.

Figure 1 Gap Between Rich and Poor Countries

While developing countries are often discussed as a group, as they will be here, in reality it is difficult, if not impossible, to talk of them as a group because the group is made up of such diverse countries—ranging from very large (e.g., China and India) to very small (e.g., Samoa and St. Lucia); including relatively well-off countries (e.g., Taiwan) and very poor ones (e.g., Haiti); covering a multiplicity of languages, religions, histories, and geographies; and representing all continents. This means that any discussion of these countries as a group must be tempered by a recognition that there will be as many differences among countries as there may be similarities.

This research-paper begins with definitions of developing countries. It identifies the major differences between the developed countries and the developing ones. Drawing on the differences and on the literature on management in developing countries, implications for management are outlined including issues associated with ethics and corporate social responsibility. The research-paper closes with a discussion of the current situation in developing countries and of how this is changing in the face of expansion of the People’s Republic of China, as well as the forces leading to convergence/divergence in cultures and management practices.

Definitions Of Development

Over time, the terminology used for development has varied. In the mid-1900s, the poorer countries were often referred to as “underdeveloped” or “less developed countries” (LDCs). Sometimes they were referred to as the “third world” (in contrast to the first, rich world and the second, communist world), and sometimes a distinction was drawn between the north (where most rich countries are) and the south (where most poor countries are). Reflecting the level of industrialization that accompanies development, sometimes the richer countries are referred to as industrialized countries. More recently, the terms that have become popular are developed countries, transition economies—the countries of east-central Europe, the Balkans, the Baltics, and the CIS—and emerging markets according to the Economist Intelligence Unit (2007). In this research-paper, developed and developing are used because most readers are likely to be familiar with these terms.

Whatever terminology is used, the developed countries are the richer ones and the developing are the poorer. Of course, within each group, there is a range of GDP per capita and a range of incomes. Especially in the developing countries, the range is large, with some countries being quite well-off and others being very poor (the poorest are often now called the “least developed” to identify their special needs).

Developed nations are those countries of the world considered to be more technologically and economically advanced. In constrast developing countries are relatively poorer. The specific measure that is usually used for determining a country’s status is income per capita. Using this measure, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit (2007), the developed countries of the world are Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States of America. All others are classified as emerging markets or transition economies.

While income per capita is traditionally used to classify countries as developed or developing, there are limitations to this measure, and it does not capture the quality of life that may be experienced in a particular country. An alternative measure is the Human Development Index (HDI), which incorporates a variety of additional measures such as health care, education, social benefits, and so on. By and large, the countries that score high on per capita income also score high on the HDI and vice versa. Nevertheless, the HDI provides a better sense of what one will experience in a particular country. For example, Barbados, although a developing country, was number 30 on the HDI list, indicating a relatively high standard of living.

Population Growth

Population growth in more developed countries is relatively slow, while population growth in the developing countries, especially Asia and Africa, remains high. The United Nations (UN) estimates show the population in Asia growing to over five billion by 2050.

Figure 2 Population Growth Estimates

The developing world already makes up about 80% of the world’s population. This percentage will increase in the near term. Of course, at the same time, some of these countries are becoming richer, and by 2050, they may no longer be listed among the developing countries. Nevertheless, it is clear that the sheer numbers of people likely to be in those countries now classified as developing mean that we cannot afford to continue ignoring them in research on management.

At the same time, the poverty of the developing world, combined with the richness of the developed, has resulted in substantial immigration from the poorer to the richer countries. This immigration provides pluses and minuses for each side. Migrants, both legal and illegal, are willing to undertake work that residents often eschew, and they contribute to the economies of their new countries. They send money home to their families and relieve their former countries of the burden of their welfare. Sometimes, however, they are seen as taking jobs from residents in their new homes, and contributing to a brain drain that leaves their former countries poorer.

The Reality In Developing Countries

According to a report on the BBC radio in April 2002, a poll of Europeans showed a negative view of developing countries, predominantly focused on poverty and illness.

In many ways, this is the reality of developing countries. As defined previously, these are the poorer countries of the world, so they exhibit the effects of being poor. There is a more positive side to the equation, however. For example,

• per capita incomes have been growing in developing countries, and there is a growing middle class in many of these countries;
• some developing countries score quite high on the HDI, indicating that they are good places to live;
• several developing countries are experiencing high rates of growth (the People’s Republic of China is a good instance);
• the developing countries represent a very substantial market, and source of supply; and
• concentrations of wealth in developing countries have allowed them to engage in outward international foreign direct investment.

Nevertheless, in most developing countries, being relatively poor means that

• people are concerned with basic needs or, in the better off developing countries, with achieving economic stability;
• infrastructure is limited—roads, railways, ports, and other physical facilities are nonexistent in some locations and only barely adequate in better off locations;
• social services are inadequate—education, health care, and social safety nets are minimal, if they exist at all; and
• resources are apparently scarce and their allocation is sometimes based on preferential systems such as individual and family need or influence.

Other differences characterize the developing countries. These include population growth, population dispersion, age distribution, literacy and numeracy levels, and gender roles according to United Nations Publications (1998, 2000, 2005). The following statistics illustrate the situation:

• Population growth rates have been substantially higher in the developing world (2%) than they have been in the developed world (0.6%). Fertility rates are also higher in the developing world (5 conceptions per woman vs. 1.9 in the developed world).
• The developing world remains more rural than the developed does (38% in cities vs. 78%). Cities are seen as places of opportunity for people in developing countries, and this results in continuing movements of people to cities that are often overcrowded and underserviced.
• People in developing countries are substantially younger than those in developed countries are. It is expected that by 2015, 18% of the population in developed countries will be over 65, while only 5% of those in developing countries will be.
• Life expectancy at birth is estimated at 72 years for the world, 78.6 years for the developed countries, and 70.6 years for the developing (the lowest group is Africa at 59.5 years).
• On average, people in developed countries have better access to education, and functional literacy and numeracy is normal. Even where developing countries have relatively good educational systems, lower levels of literacy and numeracy are more generally accepted.
• In most developing countries, gender roles are more pronounced than they are in developed countries. This includes discrimination against women in terms of land ownership, family inheritance, education, and income.

In addition, there appear to be some cultural differences between developed and developing countries. People in developing countries, in general, are more collective than those in developed countries are, power differentials are more pronounced in many developing countries, and people are somewhat more averse to uncertainty and risk. In addition, there is some evidence that, on average, people in developing countries are lower on need for achievement and more external in terms of locus of control than people in developed countries are. Figure 3 compares developed and developing countries on masculinity/femininity, individualism, power distance, and uncertainty avoidance, based on Hofstede’s (1984) measures of cultural values. As this comparison illustrates, the clearest distinctions are lower individualism and higher power distance in the developing countries.

Of course, these value dimensions were measured in the early 1980s, and we can expect that they may change over time, particularly in response to the changing environment of the 21st century. As countries become wealthier and as their middle classes increase in size, their cultural values will also likely change.

There also appear to be some political differences between developed and developing countries. Generally, the developed countries have well-established democratic processes, while the developing countries are more likely to be ruled by a powerful individual or an elite group; developing countries with democracies are often new democracies.

Figure 3 Comparison of Developed and Developing Countries on Cultural Values

Market approaches are also somewhat different between the two sets of countries. Developed countries, to a large extent, separate government and business, and support free markets and free enterprise. In developing countries, there is often a closer link between government and business, which is considered appropriate, and the state is seen as the agent of economic change. Governments in developing countries often accumulate capital from international agencies and use this wealth for economic purposes.

There is an interesting link between economic freedom and income levels as well. Gwartney and Lawson (2002) of the Fraser Institute described economic freedom as encompassing personal choice, voluntary exchange, freedom to compete, and protection of person and property. The Fraser Institute reported that, as incomes increase, economic freedom also increases. Consequently, the developing countries have scores that are lower on economic freedom than the more developed countries.

Most of the countries currently listed as developing were, until quite recently (the 1950s), colonies of the European powers. This colonial heritage is likely to influence their business practices in a number of ways:

• Colonies were traditionally producers for markets in the European countries. This means that for many colonies, the concept of marketing is largely ignored, with a focus on production instead.
• Colonies were in subordinate positions and instructed by the “colonial masters” (as the European powers were called) in matters of government, economics, and business. Decisions were made elsewhere, and in many of these countries, there is still a tendency to look to others for decisions.
• A top down decision-making style was enforced and accepted. Decisions were made at the master level, with little input from the local level, and these decisions were not questioned. This remains in the management style of many companies in developing countries.

It is difficult to be certain of the influence of colonization in a postcolonial society, but one can be certain that there is an influence. Further, as countries move further from colonial times, we can expect their management practices and styles to change.

Implications For Management In Developing Countries

There is relatively little research on management in developing countries. Thomas (1996) and Baruch (2001) commented that examinations of management have focused on locations in the industrialized world, particularly North America and Western Europe, resulting in management theories that are biased. In other words, management theories are based on the developed countries, and it is not clear which theories apply in developing countries and which do not. Because of this, it is very difficult to make statements about management in developing countries. The best approach then is to look at the factors that have been identified as defining developing countries and to make informed judgments about how these are likely to affect management, necessarily using the lexicon and conceptual constructs of the available literature, which is based on management in the developed world.

It is important to remember that the group of developing countries is made up of very diverse countries—ranging from China and India to Samoa and St. Lucia and including Taiwan and Haiti—with many languages, religions, histories, and geographies, and representing all continents. This means that any discussion on managing in these countries as a group is necessarily limited, and must largely ignore the specifics of individual countries. There is some literature on specific developing countries, and readers with an interest in a specific country should seek out these studies. Unfortunately, this literature is often not available outside of the country of origin, and rarely are translations done so that access can be limited. In recent years, there has been a substantial interest in the People’s Republic of China and some research on management has been done comparing management in the People’s Republic of China to the United States and other developed countries. In India, there is a substantial body of indigenous management literature. The same is true of some Latin American, African, and middle-eastern countries. The so-called BRIC countries— Brazil, Russia, India, and China—are currently the focus of some interest.

Management And Characteristics Of Developing Countries

Management has traditionally been described in terms of a process and five activities that make up the management process—planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling—are usually discussed as basics of management. These are often portrayed in texts as sequential and iterative. Management begins with planning which sets the strategies, objectives, and goals for an organization—planning drives the organization and other management activities are intended to help achieve plans. Planning is followed by organizing, which provides structure to ensure that plans can be realized. Organizing is followed by staffing, in which people are identified to carry out the necessary functions to achieve plans. Staffing is followed by leading, which ensures that staff behaves in desirable ways that lead to achieving plans. Leading is followed by controlling, an activity that is designed to measure progress toward plans and allow for corrective action.

This model of management will be used to discuss how the management process in developing countries may differ from that in the developed countries. First, however, it is important to look at the model itself and its western biases. The process in the model is based on a sequential, logical, rational set of discrete activities, which are typical of a western, developed country viewpoint. The model assumes control over the environment so that making plans, designing structures, choosing people for specific jobs, and measuring outcomes are all reasonable activities.

Non-western countries often do not see the world in the same straight, sequenced pattern. Time in many non-western societies has been described as analog rather than digital and the context of communication is as important, or more important, than the content. A contrast of Saudi Arabian decision making with that of the United States talks of the Saudis circling while the Americans are linear. Many non-western countries believe more in the role of fate and do not assume that people have control over their environment.

These fundamental differences in worldview may mean that the very term management will mean something quite different in some developing countries, if it can be thought to exist at all. Nevertheless, the management model that is the norm in developed, western countries will be used for this discussion, because it will be familiar to most readers. Developing countries have generally been found to be somewhat more collective than developed countries, somewhat more accepting of power differentials, somewhat more averse to uncertainty, and more fatalistic. All of these attributes are likely to influence management and how the processes of management are carried out, as the following illustrates.

Collectivism suggests that planning will be generally be a group activity and the idea of consensus will be important. At the same time, acceptance of power differentials suggests that ultimately decisions will be made by those in positions of power, although input may be sought from subordinates. Preference for certainty/aversion to uncertainty adds to the likelihood that subordinates will look to their superiors for decisions because this eliminates a degree of risk. Preference for certainty may suggest a need for careful decision making, with contingency plans; however, this is not likely the case where the society is fatalistic. Fatalism implies an acceptance of the will of a supreme force or set of forces without question, and this may in turn make planning in detail seem contrary to this acceptance.

Collectivism suggests that work will be organized on a group or team basis, with tasks to be accomplished by groups rather than by individuals. Acceptance of power differentials likely means that clear cut hierarchies will be established, with power residing at the top. Preference for certainty/aversion to uncertainty means that rules, policies, and procedures will be important and that employees want a clear idea of what is expected of them. Fatalism implies acceptance of what happens without question, and this is likely to reinforce the acceptance of decisions from the top and willingness to follow the rules imposed from the top without question.

Collectivism suggests that staffing decisions will be made on the basis of people being able and willing to work together. This may mean people of similar backgrounds including the use of family members working together in groups (a practice that might be viewed negatively in North America and Europe). Acceptance of power differentials likely means that staffing decisions made by those in positions of power will be accepted and not questioned and those in power will make decisions about staff that reinforce their power. Factors such as ethnicity, religion, age, and gender that relate to power will be taken into account in staffing decisions. Preference for certainty/aversion to uncertainty reinforces acceptance of staffing decisions made by superiors as this is seen as providing security, and this is reinforced by fatalism, which encourages such acceptance, even where it may be unpleasant. In many developed countries “nepotism” or the favoring of one’s relatives in business dealings is seen as negative, in contrast, in developing countries, family members are trusted, and therefore to be favored.

Leadership that is collective, based on power, and providing certainty may best be described as paternal or benevolent autocracy. In other words, the leader is concerned with the good of the group, and both leader and followers believe that the leader knows best, therefore an autocratic style is expected and accepted. This style of leadership provides security because the leader’s power position is accepted by his (possibly her in unusual situations) subordinates. Fatalism supports this leadership style because the powerful leader cannot be wrong—bad decisions become “God’s will.”

Controlling

Controls in a collective society will be group rather than individual based—that is, goals will be set for groups and teams, output will be measured at the group level, quality will be a group responsibility, and so on. Controls will be determined by those in positions of power and they will control rewards and punishments that will be meted out in response to good performance or unacceptable performance or behavior. Rules, policies, and procedures that are clear will provide security and, thus, will be desired. At the same time, fatalism combined with acceptance of power differentials means that the superior may make exceptions to the rules, and this will be considered acceptable, even right.

The management style just described is one that in North America is often called “Theory X.” It is essentially top down, with management in tight control. The difference is that employees accept this style; therefore, it may work. In addition, there is a certain implication that, while autocratic in nature, it is a benevolent autocracy. The leader is expected to look after subordinates (as a father is expected to look after the family) and in return for this, employees are loyal to the leader.

Having discussed these management processes and how culture might influence them, it is appropriate to question them more generally:

• Is planning a necessary part of management? If events are predetermined, planning may at best be a waste of time, and at worst a questioning of a higher power.
• Should firms be formally organized? If personal influence is important in day-to-day activities, it may not be appropriate to identify positions within the firm.
• Can people be allocated to fill positions within the firm? If people prefer to work at tasks as they arise, it may not be helpful to allocate them to specific slots.
• Does management actively seek to direct and motivate subordinates? If people believe they should work hard for the good of their group, it may be counterproductive to lead them actively.
• If people accept responsibility it may not necessarily mean that they have committed to performance, as they react to a changing situation.
• Are control systems necessary to achieve desired outputs? If employees are willing to act as instructed by their superiors, controls may be redundant.

It is important for managers in different cultures to be aware that their own assumptions may be questioned. This is particularly for managers from developed countries operating in developing ones and vice versa.

Ethics And Corporate Social Responsibility In The Context Of Development

A critical consideration for managers everywhere is that of ethics and corporate social responsibility. It may be particularly a concern in developing countries because what is considered ethical in a developed country may be considered unethical in a developing country and vice versa. For example, in the United States, lobbying is considered a normal activity—companies and industries send lobbyists to influence government representatives, asking these government representatives to make decisions that will positively affect the company or industry and offering political support in return. In other countries, this is considered unethical and the equivalent of bribing the government. Similarly, in North America, it is normal to tip restaurant waiters and taxi drivers, but people from many parts of the world are mystified or even insulted by this practice because the waiters and taxi drivers are simply performing an expected service—doing their jobs. In parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America, it is customary to tip customs officials, while North Americans see this as bribery, because it is intended to get preferential treatment.

Developing countries have often been portrayed as more corrupt than developed countries. That is, there is more need for unreported payments and gifts in business dealings. These payments may be to civil servants, government officials, or other businesses. Transparency International (2007) prepares an annual index of corruption across the world. The countries at the bottom of the list are all developing countries, and those at the top are developed countries. While this suggests that managers in developing countries may have to deal with issues of “extra payments,” it is worth noting that, often, managers from the developed countries make these payments and contribute to the continuation of the practice. The mismanagement of funds in Iraq by U.S. companies, and the scandals relating to Australian companies and the food-for-oil program in Iraq are two illustrations of the fact that corruption has to exist on both sides.

Other ethical issues that may arise in developing countries have to do with the laws in these countries or sometimes with the lack of laws and regulations. For example, child labor is still common in many parts of the developing world, slavery continues, harmful pesticides are allowed, environmental protection is lax, working conditions are poor, and so on. In some cases, a practice such as child labor, which is seen as unethical in a developed country, is necessary in a particular developing country for families to survive. In other situations such as killing elephants and poaching ivory, the practice may be considered unethical in the developing country, but the country, because it is poor, lacks the resources to police existing regulations.

The New Reality

On September 16, 2006, The Economist had a cover that proclaimed “Surprise! The power of the emerging world.” A special report titled “The New Titans” was headlined by the following: “China, India and other developing countries are set to give the world economy its biggest boost in the whole of history,” and it goes on to ask, “[W]hat will that mean for today’s rich countries?” (p. 3). As this research-paper pointed out at the outset, the developing world includes most of the world’s population. Improvements in these economies, therefore, can have an enormous impact on the global economy. “The New Titans” article indicated that in 2005 the combined output of emerging (developing) economies reached a milestone of more than half of total world GDP (measured at purchasing power parity [PPP]). In addition, their share of world exports had increased to 43% from 20% in 1970, they consumed over half the world’s energy, they accounted for four fifths of the growth in oil demand, and they hold over 70% of the world’s foreign exchange reserves. A comparison on GDP percentage increases over a year earlier shows the emerging economies growing at a higher rate than the developed economies, and the gap widening.

This is all good news for the poorer people of the world, suggesting that the gap between the rich and the poor, identified at the beginning of this research-paper, may now start to move in the opposite direction. As the people of the developing countries become better off and have greater access to the goods and services that are now common in the developed world, what will this mean for management? From a management research perspective, it is likely to mean that there will be more interest in these countries and their management. This research-paper will likely need to be revised in a decade’s time, it may have more literature to draw on, and there may be quite different views on developing countries at that time. Students concerned with management in developing countries should watch their progress with interest. It may be that the weight of China and India is such that these two countries need to be considered separately from the rest of the developing world.

Of particular interest today is the impact that the People’s Republic of China will have on the world economy, as well as particular economies around the world. Cheap Chinese exports have been flooding around the world to the delight of consumers in both the developing and developed world but equally of concern to producers. Producers in developing countries may be particularly disadvantaged because they cannot compete with the artificially low wages maintained by the Chinese communist government. The growth in Chinese manufacturing and industry has been accompanied by a need for raw materials and resources and the People’s Republic of China has moved globally to source this need. The Chinese have been investing around the world, including in Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America to ensure access to the supplies that it needs for its own manufacturing. This is changing relationships around the world. The Development Gateway Foundation’s Web site (2007), a Web site devoted to development issues, noted that the potential impact of China’s rapid growth on the United States and European Union has been well documented but that less is known about its impact on the developing countries. An OECD working paper (No. 252) by Blazquez-Lidoy, Rodriguez, and Santisto (2006) concluded that Latin America will benefit most from China’s expansion.

At the same time as China is expanding, India is as well, and it was announced in late 2006, that Wal-Mart, the American retailing giant, would open a chain of stores across India. This also changes world relationships. As China and India become more global and as companies like Wal-Mart open in more countries, the following question arises: Will the countries of the world simply become more and more alike, as influences from one country or region spread across the world? The next section of this research-paper addresses the issue of convergence and divergence.

Convergence or Divergence?

The global business environment that is today’s reality means that national economies are more closely linked than in the past. A variety of factors suggests that national cultures may become more similar because of globalization—these can be thought of as forces for convergence. For example,

• increased trade means that people around the world are exposed to products from other countries (many people point to the fact that people around the world wear basically the same jeans and t-shirts);
• increased foreign investment means that companies take their corporate cultures and practices into new locations and also learn from these new locations, taking aspects of culture and practice home (many people identify similarities in subsidiaries from Argentina to Zimbabwe);
• increased travel and communication for business and personal purposes means that people experience and learn about different behaviors and adopt and adapt these to suit their preferences (many people comment on the availability in every big city of restaurants serving foods from every corner of the world);
• increased regional and global trading agreements and organizations have as their mandate the standardization of trade arrangements across countries (many people decry the loss of specialized products because of these agreements);
• the advent of the internet and the consequent globalization of the media means that awareness of events around the world is the norm (many people listen to radio stations ranging from BBC to NPR and Aljezeerra on their computers); and
• shared global concerns such as global warming, which are not defined by national boundaries, require global responses and lead to shared values (solutions found in one location need to be shared by all).

All of these factors suggest that we are moving toward a global culture and greater global integration, and less importance for the nation state. In addition, as developing countries’ economies grow and improve, we can expect that their citizens will want many of the consumer goods currently common in the developed world. At the same time, these countries may want a stronger voice for their nation states, and there are other forces leading to divergence. Listen to the news, and this becomes obvious. The differences also are greatest between developed and developing countries. Consider some of the following:

• Terrorist attacks around the world illustrate the vast differences that some people perceive between “us” and “them.”
• Religious differences in 2006 often pitted Christianity against Islam, Hinduism against Islam, Catholic against Protestant, Shia against Sunni, and so on.
• People are proud of their cultural uniqueness and seek to maintain their cultural values, sometimes trying to legislate these (e.g., the French language “police” responsible for maintaining the purity of French used in France).
• Jeans and t-shirts may be popular around the world, but equally, women wear the traditional middle-eastern veil in London, New York, and Toronto.
• Immigration has led to a mix of peoples around the world, but these immigrants often live in ethnic communities within cities and maintain their national and cultural characteristics within these communities.
• Extensive exposure to foreigners and foreign media can increase awareness of home values, which contrast to these and are seen as especially “good.”

There seems evidence, therefore, that there are still major differences to be found around the world and that cultural differences are likely to persist. This is likely to remain the case for developed/developing differences, simply because of the major economic gap that continues between countries.

This research-paper has given the reader a broad overview of the situation that exists in developing countries, and has contrasted developing and developed countries. The differences between the countries have been used to discuss various aspects of management. The research-paper began by looking at some recent developments in global business activities that show a changing business world from a developing country perspective. The research-paper looked at definitions of development and reviewed how these have changed over time. It then considered population figures and the reality of the developing world, both positive and negative. The known characteristics of the developing world were discussed in terms of management implications, and specific cultural values were explored in terms of management processes and practices. Ethics and corporate social responsibility were discussed in terms of corruption and differing interpretations and expectations about what is ethical. The research-paper concluded with a look at the new reality in developing countries, especially in light of developments in the People’s Republic of China and with a discussion of forces leading to convergence and divergence between developed and developing countries. Throughout, it was stressed that within the group of countries classified as developing, there are vast differences from country to country; therefore, it is simplistic to discuss “management in developing countries”; and nevertheless, these countries share some characteristics and these can provide a basis to think about management issues. Readers are encouraged to explore the characteristics of a wide array of the developing countries to develop a better understanding of specific countries. In conclusion, readers are also reminded of the changing and dynamic nature of the business management environment—nowhere is this more than the case than in the context of the developing countries today.

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