Research Philosophy: Research Onion

The research onion provides an effective progression through which a research methodology can be designed. Its usefulness lies in its adaptability for almost any type of research methodology and can be used in a variety of contexts (Bryman, 2012). Research philosophy is relating to the development of knowledge and the nature of that knowledge. A paradigm is basic set of belief that guide action. The philosophy simply provides the justification for the research methodology. There are three main thinking regarding research philosophy, these are Positivism, Interprretivism and Realism. Each philosophy will convey a totally different process of research. This research intends to track the Interpretivism philosophy since the research area is a

Easterby-Smith et al. (2002) declared that failure to realize and consider during philosophical issues can have a detrimental effect on the quality of the research conclusion.

As per Baker (2001) there are principally two contrasting limits in research philosophies known as positivism and interpretivism. On the other hand Saunders et al, (2003) expands the classification of philosophies by identifying another aspect of philosophy, named realism which falls inside the two boundaries.

This study will follow ‘Interpretive’ paradigm which is reflective of mental approach of researcher towards research (Gliner & Morgan, 2000).

Interpretivism (Social Constructivism) In contrast to positivism, interpretivism takes the idealism and relativist stances in respect of ontological and epistemological assumption. According to interpretivists analysis reality as socially constructed ( Interpretivism also named social constructivism. According to interpretivism “reality is determined by people rather than by objective and external factors” (Easterby-Smith et al, 2002, p30). Actions of people will be overstated by the interpretations that they

Positivists required clarifying the behavior of the subject under research by identifying fundamental laws through perceptible assurance. (Saunders et al, 2003; Easterby-Smith et al, 2002). Throughout the study independence of the observer and subject should be maintained and different interrogative questions should be determined by value free objective criterion rather than human beliefs and interest. Saunders et al (2003, p84) also agree by stating that in positivism “the researcher is independent of and neither affects nor is affected by the subject of