METHODOLOGY

Obstacles to Introduce Knowledge Management in Healthcare Institutions in Saudi Arabia



Table of Contents

Introduction3

Research philosophy3

Research approaches4

Qualitative/quantitative methods4

Deductive/inductive reasoning5

Research design7

Data gathering7

Limitations to this research7

Chapter Summary8

Obstacles to Introduce Knowledge Management in Healthcare Institutions in Saudi Arabia

Introduction

This section gives the details of the methods and techniques which are utilized for the analysis of the research. It provides readers with the details regarding the type of methodology used, its advantages in context with the current research being conducted, the merits of the research being applied and its usefulness for the subject undertaken to study. In order to develop practices and policies that drive desirable behavior, it is necessary to understand the common experiences of those that have experienced a phenomenon and the assumptions that they hold.

Webster's Dictionary defined methodology as “a branch of philosophy dealing with the science of method or procedure” (p. 628). This chapter also describes the detailed procedures related to how the knowledge management is implemented in the hospitals institutions of Saudi Arabia. Further, research method standards are discussed to make sure that the planned research study conforms to acceptable quality standards.

Research philosophy

There are two major philosophies; positivism and phenomenology used mostly in academic research. In fact, the selection of right philosophy is very first step towards designing the formal structure of any research. Actually, whenever a study is designed first of all the selection of suitable philosophy is ensured. These two main philosophies have different domains even they can be sated as opposite to each other. It may be stipulated through the nature of both philosophies. The former philosophy positivism deals with the facts while latter phenomenology goes with meanings (Amaratunga et al, 2002). According to the Trochim, (2006) when the pattern of positivism is applied it qualifies top-to-bottom process while in case of following phenomenology the reverse of using positivism minimizes the horizon of research study whereas phenomenology always keeps room for changing unless conclusions are drawn. In this regard, the phenomenology may provide in-depth information as compared to positivism. This shows that the proposed research study is based on grounded theory formulating a new aspect of research with the help of phenomenological trends.

Research approaches

There are two basic methods used in collecting required data including primary and secondary research. In this connection, primary research refers to cultivating first-hand knowledge (Easterby-Smith et al, 1991) with the help of survey, interview, ethnography and participant observation etc while secondary research deals with the already published material (Saunder et al, 2007).

Though, the study is not designed basically on primary research, it involves secondary research, too as practiced in every kind of research. In fact, without the contribution of secondary research no research can be conducted as literature review is the most important part of research that is added to the every form of research which is totally based on already conducted researches. This shows the actual importance of secondary research. Similarly, in this research, literature was reviewed in the second chapter. However, the research may also be conducted completely ...