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  • 1.  What's the buzz about "Responsible Research"?

    Posted 09-22-2018 09:49
    Dear OB community, 

    I am pleased to share the September 2018 issue of the RRBM newsletter "Voices". You will see many interesting discussions and news about what peoplel are talking about responsible research, what scholars and schools are doing to advance research that produces both credible and useful knowledge (definition of responsible research). Please click this page (Newsletters)  to find out the most recent buzz about responsible research in the academy. 
    Well wishes from the RRBM community (Home
    Anne Tsui 


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    Anne Tsui
    University of Notre Dame
    Notre Dame IN
    (574) 631-3504
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  • 2.  RE: What's the buzz about "Responsible Research"?

    Posted 09-23-2018 18:21
    I have been intrigued about the buzz about responsible research.  It is important to conduct research that is beneficial to managers and the field we operate in.   I am a little distressed, however, about the trend this includes to "raise the bar" on research that is publishable requiring higher degrees of power, larger sample sizes, more emphasis on replication (multiple studies reported in one article), etc.   The resource challenge to produce responsible research is becoming seems daunting for faculty at smaller schools with modest means UNLESS they have colleagues at tier 1 research Universities that they can depend on for support.   

    I want to call for some attention to responsible MODEST research and outlets to share the results of modest research to interested colleagues.    What do I mean by modest research?   Studies or experiments that test applications of theory in local settings (firm, city, region), case studies, action research, and situation based work that serves relevant and meaningful stakeholders.   There is no reason that this type of research cannot be both elegant and responsible.   

    A BIG problem with our field is the success requirement that faculty be involved in developing new, ground breaking, theory or bigger and bigger projects.  This tournament nature of our profession along with the requirement that you must "publish or perish" is, I think, problematic and is one reason that so much silliness is published.   

    Just my 2 cents.:)
    Happy Fall and enjoy the full moon tonight!

    J. Bunch

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    John Bunch
    Central Michigan University
    Midland MI
    (913) 426-3445
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  • 3.  RE: What's the buzz about "Responsible Research"?

    Posted 09-24-2018 22:28
    Hi John, 

    Your reflection is right on. Responsible research is inclusive of methods, topics, scope, scale, and region, perspectives, etc., as long as the research is conducted carefully and transparently (to enable future replications) and on topics that are meaningfully related to timely issues and challenges in business and society. 

    I would like to refer you to the position paper on responsible research and especially the seven principles, covering both the credibility and usefulness dimensions. The paper can be found on this website: www.rrbm.network. 

    The type of 'modest' research you mentioned are very valuable and entirely consistent with the principles of responsible research. 

    Thank you for your reflections and valuable remarks. 

    Anne 


    Anne S. Tsui
    Distinguished Adjunct Professor
    Department of Management & Organization
    Mendoza College of Business
    University of Notre Dame
    Notre Dame, IN 46556
    Office: (574) 631-3504

    *** I care about the next generation of researchers – do you? 
    Check out RRBM.network here and endorse our vision here!