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ETHICAL ISSUES IN THE PRELIMINARY STAGES OF INVESTIGATION 71

5. How do price and quality rate on consumers’ evaluation of products?
6. Is the effect of participative budgeting on performance moderated by con-
trol systems?
7. Does better automation lead to greater asset investment per dollar of output?
8. Does expansion of international operations result in an enhancement of the
firm’s image and value?
9. What are the effects of downsizing on the long-range growth patterns of
companies?
10. Can cultural differences account for the differences in the nature of hierar-
chical relationships between superiors and subordinates in Germany, India,
Japan, Singapore, and the United States?
11. What are the components of “quality of life”?
12. What are the specific factors to be considered in creating a data warehouse
for a manufacturing company?
13. What network system is best suited for Smith Pharmaceuticals?

MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS

Managers sometimes look at the symptoms in problematic situations and treat
them as if they are the real problems, getting frustrated when their remedies do
not work. Understanding the antecedents–problem–consequences sequence, and
gathering the relevant information to get a real grasp of the problem go a long
way in pinpointing it.
Managers’ inputs help researchers to define the broad problem area and con-
firm their own theories about the situational factors impacting on the central
problem. Managers who realize that correct problem definition is critical to ulti-
mate problem solution, do not grudge the time spent in working closely with
researchers, particularly at this stage. Awareness of information sources and abil-
ity to obtain access to the requisite information at will through the Internet are
great assets to the manager. Using this facility, the manager can get to know how
similar businesses the world over grapple with similar situations and get a better
handle on the issues at hand.

ETHICAL ISSUES IN THE PRELIMINARY STAGES
OF INVESTIGATION

Once a problem is sensed and an investigation is decided on, it is necessary to
inform all employees—particularly those who will be interviewed for preliminary
data gathering through structured and unstructured interviews—of the proposed
study. Though it is not necessary to acquaint them with the actual reasons for the
study (because this might bias responses), letting them know that the research is
intended to help them in their work environment will enlist their cooperation. The
element of unpleasant surprise will thus be eliminated for the employees. It is also