Exploring Research Methods in Business Graduate Schools

Research in business graduate schools varies widely by discipline and even within a discipline. This article, written by a Finance Professor, delves into the empirical research side of the question, providing insights into how and why research is conducted in selected business disciplines.

Overview of Research in Business Graduate Schools

How and why research is done is as diverse as the disciplines it encompasses. In this article, I, a Finance Professor and empiricist, will discuss the empirical research methods in business studies, specifically focusing on finance and financial accounting, organizational behavior, marketing, and management. These research methods involve large databases, surveys, experiments, and more. Each method serves a unique purpose, driven by the desire to understand and answer specific questions of interest to researchers and practitioners.

Empirical Research Methods in Finance and Financial Accounting

Finance and financial accounting research often involve extensive use of large databases of market or financial statement data. These databases, such as Bloomberg, Financial Times Database, and various industry-specific databases, provide a wealth of information for empirical analysis. Researchers in this field often aim to validate or challenge existing theories through the examination of these data. For instance, they may investigate how security analysts form their earnings estimates or what factors influence firms’ decisions to engage in takeovers.

Exploring Research Questions in Business Studies

The core of any research in business studies lies in the research question. These questions are typically constructed to explore how processes work, such as the estimation methods used by security analysts, or why certain decisions are made. For example:

Process-based questions: How do security analysts form their earnings estimates? Decision-based questions: What factors make a firm more likely to engage in a takeover? Effect-based questions: How did the Sarbanes-Oxley act affect firms’ disclosure policies?

These questions are interesting not only to academic researchers but also to industry professionals, as they can provide valuable insights into business practices and policies.

Why We Conduct This Research

While the primary motivation for conducting research in business schools is often to publish papers for tenure or promotion, the underlying motivation is much more intrinsic. We do it because we are curious and genuinely want to understand how things work. This curiosity is the driving force behind the pursuit of knowledge in business research. Even after securing a tenure, researchers continue to seek new knowledge and contribute to the academic and practical understanding of business practices.

Conclusion

In summary, business research in graduate schools is a complex yet fascinating endeavor that involves a variety of methods tailored to specific disciplines. Whether it is through the analysis of large databases, surveys, or experiments, the goal remains the same: to uncover the underlying mechanisms that drive business practices and decision-making. As we continue to push the boundaries of what we know, we can better inform business policies and practices, ultimately contributing to the greater good of society.

Keywords

business research, empirical research, research methods in business