RSCH FPX 7868 Assessment 2 Research Theory for Qualitative Studies

Name

Capella university

RSCH-FPX 7868 Qualitative Design and Analysis

Prof. Name

Date

Research Theory

This assessment explores research theory to support the proposed study on equal pay for men and women with similar duties and the effects of the disparity in the workplace. The intended outcomes of this assessment could have practical implications for the stakeholders involved in the proposed study. It will examine how the qualitative research study can enhance the knowledge base on equal pay for men and women with similar duties and the effects of the disparity in the workplace. Additionally, this assessment will analyze theoretical implications to understand the phenomena and describe the practical implications of this research study.

Key Elements of the Theory

Abend (2008) suggests that theories are formulated to explain, predict, and understand phenomena. Heath (2020) identifies the four key components of a theory: concepts, constructs, propositions, and models. The key components of equal pay for men and women with similar duties in the workplace include:

Concepts

Akerlof and Yellen’s (1990) equity theory posits that pay disparity in the workplace can lead to adverse actions from employees who feel their wages are not competitive with their opposite-gender counterparts. Rouen (2020) finds evidence of a negative relation between unexplained pay disparity and future firm performance.

Constructs

The constructs of equal pay for men and women with similar duties and the effects of the disparity in the workplace will focus on the following:

Perceived Severity

Perceived severity refers to the negative consequences an employee associates with an event or outcome. This construct focuses on the seriousness of pay disparity and its consequences.

Perceived Barriers

Perceived barriers relate to objective measurements of obstacles. This construct focuses on the potential negative aspects of pay disparity in the workplace.

Cues to Action

Cues to action are triggers in the decision-making process. This construct focuses on factors that prompt action.

Propositions

Boyle (2017) defines propositions in qualitative research as statements about the likelihood of two or more concepts working together. There is a high probability of the constructs of perceived severity, perceived barriers, and cues to action working together. A proposition is not as precise as a hypothesis.

Models

Hasa (2016) explains that scientific models are often used to describe real-world phenomena by comparing them. Hypotheses and theories are essential parts of models. Sargent (2015) describes the four basic types of models as iconic, graphical, analog, and mathematical.

How Theory Supports the Proposed Research

Stakeholders in a qualitative research study on equal pay for men and women with similar duties and the effects of the disparity in the workplace include the research participants, organizations interested in leveling the pay disparity playing field, and others affected by the study’s outcomes.

Practical Implications

Oni (2018) discusses practical implications and suggests that researchers should be realistic in describing what the study results may imply. It is important not to overstate the description of the study’s implications. Practical implications should include recommendations for future research.

Illustrative Examples

Emery (2014) suggests that illustrative examples in research studies include word clouds, showcasing open-ended survey data beside closed data, photos beside participant responses, icons beside descriptions and answers, diagrams to explain concepts and processes, and graphic timelines. Gender and wage gap charts are examples of illustrations.

Example of a Word Cloud Illustration

Potential Implications of the Research Outcomes

The potential implications of this qualitative research outcome would contribute to the knowledge base of pay and gender equity. Organizations can use this research study to determine if there is gender pay disparity within their organization and to understand the implications of such disparity.

Potential Implications for Organizations

Buttner and Lowe (2017) suggest that future cross-cultural and intra-cultural studies continue investigating the differential impact of internal-external pay equity. Besides demonstrating the importance of gender pay equality, this study will also highlight the negative impact of pay disparities. Scholars need to research this topic in more detail to support and eliminate gender gaps consistently.

References

Akerlof, G. A., & Yellen, J. L. (1990). The fair wage-effort hypothesis and unemployment. The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 105(2), 255. https://doi.org/10.2307/2937787

Abend, G. (2008). The meaning of theory. Sociological Theory, 26(2), 173–199.

Boyle, M. (2017, March). Qualitative essentials. Nathan/Gold Coast Campuses Griffith University. Retrieved from https://www.griffith.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0014/160502/QualEssentials-Semester-1-2017-.pdf

Buttner, E. H., & Lowe, K. B. (2017). The relationship between perceived pay equity, productivity, and organizational commitment for US professionals of color. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal, 36(1), 73–89. https://doi.org/10.1108/edi-02-2016-0016

RSCH FPX 7868 Assessment 2 Research Theory for Qualitative Studies

Heath, H. (2020, August 21). What are the four components of a theory? – Rampfesthudson.com. Retrieved from https://www.rampfesthudson.com/what-are-the-four-components-of-a-theory/

Oni, A. (2018, February 19). Understanding the theoretical and practical implications of a research paper. Retrieved from https://nairaproject.com/blog/understanding-the-theoretical-and-practical-implications-of-a-research-paper.html

Rouen, E. (2020). Rethinking measurement of pay disparity and its relation to firm performance. The Accounting Review, 95(1), 343–378. https://doi.org/10.2308/accr-52440

Sargent, R. G. (2015). Types of models. In Modeling and Simulation in the Systems Engineering Life Cycle (pp. 51–55). Springer.