OBSERVATION RESEARCH 1
Observation Research
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OBSERVATION RESEARCH 2
Introduction
Primarily, research designs are defined by the approach used in the collection of data.
Based on the scientific definition of observation as being human or animal behavior, it limits the
application of observation as a research methodology. According to Schindler (2019),
observation is described as a data collection procedure that people use their senses that include
smelling, tasting, hearing, reading, and touching. If I was at the position of determining the
procedure that Walmart used to arrive at their decision, there are critical steps that ought to be
followed.
Conducting observational research
Firstly, I would begin by identifying the management problem that led to eliminating
greeters from the overnight shift in over 3800 stores. In the description, the information provided
is somewhat limited, and therefore it is important to suggest some possible reasons that led to the
making of such a decision. Walmart could have decided to eliminate the night shift greeters due
to financial reasons or lack of customers during the nights. In other arguments, the redefinition of
day-time shift greeters and changing locations could also be driven by different circumstances.
Conducting observational research could be one approach to unearthing the rationale behind
Walmart’s decision. Observational research could be based on several principles: direct
observation, behavioral principles, spatial relationships, and field environment. (Schindler, 2019)
If the elimination of night greeters was done to control expenses or achieve some financial goals,
then direct observation could be applicable.
During the observational research approach, field research would be necessary for
gathering some information. In my field research, I would seek to obverse the relationship
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exhibited between the greeters and customers entering selected Walmart stores. The observations
would provide the required information that is needed in the research. According to
Deuteronomy 31:12, the Bible says, “gather people together, men, women, children, and
strangers that are within the gates so that they may hear, learn and fear the Lord your God and
observe to do all that is required by the law.” There are certain cases where an observer could
alter how the research subjects change their behaviors (Mansournia et al,. 2017). Therefore, it is
important to establish an approach that will be used to overcome the challenge. For example, a
particular person's presence altered the subject's behavior; it could be essential to repeat the
experiment with the same greeter or customer. The manipulation of the variables could also be
applied to ensure that specific characters' presence does not alter an individual’s behavior
(VanderWeele, pg 268 2017). When a person becomes aware that they are being observed, they
are likely to change their behaviors (Mansournia et al., 2017). Ultimately, the change in the
behaviors brings negative results to observational research. Additionally, incorporating
technology, such as using hidden cameras, would be important in verifying the results yielded
from the study. The purpose would be to ensure that I get relevant findings.
A spatial relationship could also be applied in the study. For example, I could consider
observing the relationship that exists between the door and the greeter. We understand that
Walmart decided to move the greeters away from the door and further into the store. In my
observation, I would seek to see how the greeter's position affects the interaction with the
customer. I could also examine the stimulus-response relationship exhibited by the actions of the
greeter in the store. The greeter's stimulus could be evaluated against the reaction of the customer
who is entering the store. Arguably, Walmart had viable reasons to move the greeters from the
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door and driving them further into the store. Therefore, the observations would seek to evaluate
the reasons and whether they yield some benefits to the company.
How a company welcomes, its customers have somewhat effects on the success of the
company. Hebrews 13:2, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have
entertained angels unawares.” Drawing from the Biblical view of welcoming strangers
(customers to Walmart), the company has an opportunity to develop the first impression
customers get when entering the company. The experience of the customers when shopping
begins to be defined at the entrance. Other factors, such as customer loyalty, can also be
influenced by how a customer was received in the organization.
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References
Mansournia, M., Etminan, M., Danaei, G., Kaufman, J., & Collins, G. (2017). Handling time
varying confounding in observational research. BMJ, j4587.
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.j4587
Schindler, P. (2019). Business Research Methods (13 ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Irwin.
VanderWeele, T., & Ding, P. (2017). Sensitivity Analysis in Observational Research:
Introducing the E-Value. Annals Of Internal Medicine, 167(4), 268.
https://doi.org/10.7326/m16-2607
