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LITERATURE SURVEY 67

clear and logical presentation of the relevant research work done thus far in the
area of investigation. As stated earlier, the purpose of the literature survey is to
identify and highlight the important variables, and to document the significant
findings from earlier research that will serve as the foundation on which the the-
oretical framework for the current investigation can be built and the hypotheses
developed. Such documentation is important to convince the reader that (1) the
researcher is knowledgeable about the problem area and has done the prelimi-
nary homework that is necessary to conduct the research, and (2) the theoreti-
cal framework will be structured on work already done and will add to the solid
foundation of existing knowledge.
A point to note is that the literature survey should bring together all relevant
information in a cogent and logical manner instead of presenting all the studies
in chronological order with bits and pieces of uncoordinated information. A
good literature survey also leads one logically to a good problem statement.
There are several accepted methods of citing references in the literature sur-
vey section and using quotations. The Publication Manual of the American Psy-
chological Association (2001) offers detailed information regarding citations,
quotations, references and so on, and is one of the accepted styles of referenc-
ing in the management area. Other formats include The Chicago Manual of Style
(1993), and Turabian’s Manual for Writers (1996). As earlier stated, details of the
referencing style and quotations based on the APA Manual (2001) are offered in
Section 3 of the Appendix at the end of this chapter.

Examples of Two Literature Surveys
Let us take a portion of two literature reviews done and examine how the activ-
ity has helped to (1) introduce the subject of study, (2) identify the research
question, and (3) build on previous research to offer the basis to get to the next
steps of theoretical framework and hypotheses development.

Example 4.1 RISK-TAKING BEHAVIORS AND ORGANIZATIONAL OUTCOMES
Managers handle risks and face uncertainties in different ways. Some of these styles
are functional and others adversely impact on corporate performance. Living in
times of dramatic organizational changes (mergers, for instance), and with the
company performance varying vastly in this turbulent environment, it is important
to investigate risk-taking behaviors of managers and organizational outcomes.
A vast body of knowledge exists regarding risk-taking behaviors in decision
making. Some studies have shown that the context that surrounds the decision
maker exerts an influence on the extent of risk the individual is prepared to take
(Shapira, 1995; Starbuck & Milken, 2000). Other studies, such as those done by
Sankar (1997) and Velcher (1998) indicate that the position of the risk taker, and
whether the decision is taken by an individual or is the result of group effort,
account significantly for the variance in risk-taking behaviors, and ultimately, to
the performance of the organization. Schwartz (2001) has argued that the results