Theoretical Framework and Hypothesis Development

Theoretical Framework and Hypothesis Development Topic 4 RMT

Theoretical Framework The need for a theoretical framework?????

Variable Anything that can take on differing or varying values. Examples: Production units Absenteeism Motivation

Types of Variables The dependent variable The independent variable The moderating variable The intervening variable

Dependent Variable It is the main variable that lends itself for investigation as a viable factor. For Example: 1.An applied researcher wants to increase the performance of organizational members in a particular bank. 2.A marketing manager wonders why the recent advertisements strategy does not work.

Independent Variable The independent variables are those that are deliberately manipulated to invoke a change in the dependent variables. For Example: 1.A manager believes that good supervision and training would increase the production level of workers. 2.A consultant is of the opinion that much benefit would accrue by buying and selling at the appropriate times in a financial environment where the stocks are volatile.

Moderating Variable The moderating variable is one that has a strong contingent effect on the independent variable and dependent variable relationship. That is the presence of a third variable modifies the original relationship between the independent and the dependent variables.

Moderating Variable Scenario 1: A manager finds that off the job classroom training has a great impact on the productivity of the employees in her department. However, she also observes that employees over 60 years of age do not seem to derive much benefit and do not improve with such training.

Moderating Variable Scenario 2: A visitor to a factory observes that the workers in the packing department have to interact with one another to get their jobs done. The more they interact, the more they seem to tend to stay after hours and go to the local restaurant for coffee. However, the women packers, even though they interact with others as much as the men, do not stay late, nor do they visit the restaurant after work hours.

Intervening Variable An intervening variable is one that surfaces between the time the independent variables start operating to influence the dependent variable and the time their impact is felt on it. The intervening variable surfaces as a function of the independent variables opening in any situation and helps to conceptualize and explain the influence of the independent variable on the dependent variable.

Intervening Variable Scenario 1: Failure to follow accounting principles causes immense confusion, which in turn creates a number of problems for the organization. Those with vast experience in bookkeeping, however are able to avert the problems by taking timely corrective action.

Intervening Variable Scenario 2: The manager of Haines company observes that the morale of employees is low She thinks that if working conditions are improve, pay scales raised, and the vacation benefits made attractive, the morale will be boosted. She doubts however, if an increase of pay scales would raise the morale of all employees. Her perception is that those that have supplemental incomes will just not be turned on by higher pay, and only those without side incomes will be happy with increased pay with resultant boost of morale.

Exercise Make up three different situations in which motivation is: 1.Independent variable 2.Intervening variable 3.Moderating variable

Theoretical Framework Consists of the variables considered relevant to the study 2. Shows the nature and direction of relationships 3. Sometimes show the positive and negative relationships 4. Consists of a diagram to easily comprehend the theorized relationships.

Hypothesis A relationship between two or more variables expressed in the form of testable statement. By confirming or rejecting hypothesis, it is expected that solutions can be found to correct the problem encountered.

Types of Hypothesis 1. If-then statements: Employees who are more healthy will take sick leave less frequently. If employees are more healthy, then they will take sick leave less frequently.

Types of Hypothesis 2. Directional and Non directional Hypothesis: If terms such as positive, negative, more than, less than are used, then the hypothesis are directional because the relationship between variables is indicated. For Example: The greater the stress experienced in the job, the lower the job satisfaction level of employees.

Types of Hypothesis Non-Directional Hypothesis: No indication of the direction of the relationship is given. For example: There is a relationship between age and satisfaction.

Types of Hypothesis Hypothesis Null Hypothesis Alternate Hypothesis