Deductive and Inductive Research Methods

In the research work carried on by both the authors, they have used different. Approaches to get to their results which were determined to be reliable by the various validity tests that were carried out. Woywode applies a deductive approach in his research methods, which involves testing the earlier theories that had been provided about diffusion of similarity to organizations and distinction of the organizations due to local adaptation [ CITATION Mic02 \ 1033]. He wants to prove which is right and if both are not, he will formulate new ideas. However, Christine on the other hand uses an inductive approach in her research which involves formulating a new theory or set of ideas from the data she is observing from interviews conducted and her survey [CITATION Chr05 1033]. The theory is based on how to improve the worker's need to join unions since the current state is that they hate the unions by the attitude they possess toward these particular worker's groups. The two theories used hence contain many differences depending on the methods used for collection of data, research design used and the methods to test reliability of the results found.

The first difference is brought about by the relationship between the theory and the data collected. In deductive approach, a certain topic is chosen and broken down to smaller parts which can be tested by carrying various tests on the data collected. Specific data is used while testing the hypothesis which can therefore determine the authenticity of the original theory. This therefore shows that deductive approach is a data specific kind of approach. Alternatively, inductive approach is the complete opposite of the above. It involves observations of the general trends about a certain thing, showing data is generally selected at random, and then hypotheses can be formulated from the observed data collected and come up with general approaches that can explain that particular behavior. It can thus be concluded that inductive approach is not.

The next difference is brought about by the type of research designs used in each approach. A research design usually describes the process involved to get the final results that were realized and the different methodologies applied. The research design applied by inductive approach is the exploratory design type. This design type is structured and is utilized with the inductive approach since the case which is being studied is not data specific in inductive approach, it thus falls under this category. In exploratory, the matter at hand is usually not familiar and the research is supposed to give the appropriate answers to this undefined questions or behaviors as seen in Cregan (2005). On the other hand, the research design type applied by deductive approach is the descriptive type. This is because it is well structured and deals with a complicated research and is used where accurate results are required, accurate results are required in a deductive approach since it involves proving an existing theory.

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Methodology is a distinguishing factor also in the two types of approaches. In Christine's case for example, which is an inductive type of research, she uses surveys in collection of her data. Interviews are also one of the major sources she gets information from although she get answers that are open minded and not specific to the issue at hand. Observations and drawing of conclusions in inductive approach is another source of data collection. On the hand, the research methods used by Micheal, deductive approach, during his activities include existing theories which are broken down and tested to prove if they are true. Hence the source of data for a deductive approach is from preexisting theories [ CITATION Mic021033].

The two approaches have been utilized by both the writers of the articles which help in getting reliable results and drawing the various conclusions drawn from the investigations done. Like Christine found out that some members just joined due to sympathy for unions and others wanted to leave due to distinctive reasons. Michael on the other hand, finds out that diffusion of the concepts of management developed in Japan in the automobile industries is adapted by the French and German assemblers. Hence the theory of isomorphism is proved to be correct.

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