Management Research Perspectives

Assignment Brief

Assessment: Module 1- Management Research Perspectives

The assessment for this course comprises:

Individual assignment – I (1000 words) 40%

Individual assignment - II (2000 words) 60%

Assignment I

As outlined in section, you need to submit a 1000 word summary which supports your assignment of your reflections about some researchable issues drawn from your experience of the manager’s role.

Total Marks 40%

Assignment II

Henry Mintzberg and other writers have talked about the cluster of roles that manager performs. How does a manager add the role of academic researcher to the cluster? What differences in approach does this imply? What challenges does this present?

In the context of the literature you have considered for the course and the seminar discussion, explain what you see as the requirements to pursue the role of academic researcher in conjunction with performance as a manager.

Support your explanation by reference to the views of other writers in the literature. (2000 words)

Total Marks 60%

Sample Answer

Assignment I – Reflection on Researchable Issues in the Manager’s Role

Introduction

The role of a manager is wide, demanding and continuously evolving. Managers are expected to deliver performance, lead people, make decisions, and ensure the organisation’s goals are achieved. However, beneath these visible functions lies a range of challenges and uncertainties which can be turned into researchable issues. By reflecting on my experience of the manager’s role, I have identified several themes that not only affect daily practice but also provide scope for deeper investigation through academic research. Reflection helps to transform personal observations into structured questions that can inform evidence-based management practice.

Communication and Information Flow

One of the most consistent challenges for managers is communication. Ensuring that information flows clearly between levels of the organisation is essential. Miscommunication can cause delays, errors and even conflict among staff. A researchable issue here is the effectiveness of communication channels in ensuring clarity and alignment within teams. For example, a potential research question could be: How do digital communication platforms influence the clarity and speed of decision-making in middle management? This issue matters because communication is at the core of coordination and leadership.

Motivation and Employee Engagement

Another important concern is employee motivation. Managers constantly try to ensure that individuals remain engaged and committed. However, motivation is not static; it changes according to organisational culture, personal circumstances and leadership style. From my experience, there is often a gap between what managers believe motivates staff and what employees themselves perceive. This can be shaped into research such as: What impact does recognition versus financial reward have on long-term employee motivation? This reflection illustrates the link between managerial practice and academic exploration of theories like Herzberg’s motivators and Maslow’s hierarchy.

Decision-Making under Uncertainty

Managers frequently make decisions without full information. The balance between acting quickly and ensuring accuracy creates significant pressure. I have often seen managers rely on intuition rather than structured analysis. A researchable issue here is: What role does intuition play in managerial decision-making compared to evidence-based methods? Reflecting on this shows how practice can inform research, as well as how research can in turn provide managers with better tools to support decision quality.

Managing Conflict and Diversity

Conflict within teams is inevitable, particularly in diverse workplaces. Managers are tasked with resolving disputes while maintaining fairness and productivity. My observation is that many conflicts arise not only from personal clashes but also from misalignment of expectations. A relevant researchable issue would be: How effective are mediation approaches in resolving workplace conflicts in multicultural teams? This highlights the importance of connecting managerial experience with academic insights into diversity, organisational behaviour and conflict resolution.

Resource Allocation and Performance Pressure

Managers are often caught between limited resources and high expectations. Deciding how to allocate staff time, budgets and attention across projects creates stress and affects performance. A researchable angle could be: How do resource constraints shape managerial decision-making and innovation in small to medium enterprises? This demonstrates how a very practical issue can be turned into an academically useful line of enquiry.

Continued...