Human Resource Issue: Underutilized Job Code Part II

For understanding the underutilization of women in the skill code of Researchers and Statisticians, while quantitative may be helpful in gaining a base of numerical data to show the rate of occurrence for this dilemma across various demographics, it cannot answer why it occurs. Qualitative research is therefore the preferred approach, in this scenario. When needing to achieve an in-depth understanding of why this event is occurring and how to prevent future occurrences, the researcher must utilize people to gain that understanding and subsequently build an appropriate theory. “Basically, qualitative research focuses upon evolving theories and concepts which are essential in data collection.” (Daniel, 2011, Benefits of Qualitative Research, para. 1) Quantitative data provides limited opportunity for researchers to interact with or probe respondents for the kevel of information required.
A particularly helpful factor involved with qualitative research is that while some quantitative data may appear to support a theory, there are many times exceptions to a rule or other underlying causes that cannot be provided through quantitative research. An example is that while women may represent a smaller population in a university being utilized for recruiting, that does not necessarily provide an indication that improper or insufficient recruiting practices may be in place at these events held by the Phoenix Company. For instance, bold, strong, masculine imagery or lack of female representatives at the event could deter female participation. These key indicators could be potentially captured through thorough in-depth interviews and other qualitative research methodology.

Reference
Daniel, H. (January 21, 2011). Benefits Of Qualitative Research. Retrieved from