RSCH FPX 7868 Assessment 1 Developing a Research Topic for Qualitative Studies

Student Name

Capella University

RSCH-FPX 7868 Qualitative Design and Analysis

Prof. Name:

Date

Employee Rights

Introduction

This assessment will examine the development of a qualitative research study focused on Employee Rights. Employee rights encompass a wide range of issues and opportunities, including workplace safety, health protection, working hours, wages, and various other entitlements. This assessment specifically targets the creation of a qualitative research study on equal pay for men and women performing similar roles in the workplace.

Background on Equitable Pay

Equitable Pay Rights

The Equal Pay Act of 1963 (2022) mandates equal wages for similar work, irrespective of the worker’s gender. The law stipulates that jobs do not need to be identical but must be substantially equal. Research conducted by Barroso and Brown (2021) indicates that women have made significant progress in securing higher-paying positions historically dominated by men in professional and managerial sectors. However, Barroso and Brown (2021) also highlight that despite this progress, pay disparities continue to persist.

Equitable Pay Rationale

Why is Pay Equity Important for Employers?

Equitable pay is essential for employers as it ensures fair and just treatment of employees regarding wages, regardless of gender. According to Nagele-Piazza (2020), providing equitable wages can enhance workers’ efficiency, quality, and productivity while decreasing turnover rates. When employers offer fair and transparent wages to all employees, the risk of legal action due to pay disparities diminishes. Hentze and Tyus (2021) found that many states have enacted laws specifically aimed at eliminating gender-based pay differences.

Research Questions

Qualitative research questions should consist of concise, single-sentence inquiries that clearly articulate the purpose of the research study.

Five Methodological Approaches

Ethnography Methodological Approach

Ethnographic research questions are descriptive and structured. An example of an ethnographic research question is: “This qualitative research study aims to explore the pay equity disparities women face in their positions compared to their male counterparts. Can you describe what a typical workday looks like for you?”

Case Study Methodological Approach

Crow et al. (2011) define a methodological case study as an approach used to gain an in-depth, multifaceted understanding of complex issues within a real-life context. An example of a case study methodological approach is: “This qualitative research study aims to explore the pay equity disparities women face in their positions compared to their male counterparts. Can you describe the gender-based pay disparity you have experienced?”

Grounded Theory Methodological Approach

Grounded theory research questions primarily focus on social processes or actions. An example of a grounded theory question for this qualitative research study is: “This qualitative research study aims to explore the pay equity disparities women face in their positions compared to their male counterparts. What occurs when the topic of gender pay disparity is discussed in your workplace?”

Phenomenology Methodological Approach

In qualitative research, phenomenology emphasizes an individual’s personal experiences. An example of a phenomenological question for this qualitative research study is: “This qualitative research study aims to explore the pay equity disparities women face in their positions compared to their male counterparts. How would you describe your personal experience with gender pay disparity?”

Generic Qualitative Inquiry Methodological Approach

Kahlke (2014) defines generic qualitative inquiry as research aimed at understanding how individuals assign meaning to a phenomenon or situation. An example of a generic qualitative inquiry question for this qualitative research study is: “This research study aims to explore the pay equity disparities women face in their positions compared to their male counterparts.”

Methodological Alignment Research Questions

Ethnography Methodological Alignment

“Can you describe what a typical workday looks like for you?” aligns with the ethnography methodology as it allows the researcher to gain insights into the daily experiences of both male and female participants.

Case Study Methodological Alignment

“Can you describe the gender-based pay disparity you have experienced?” aligns with the case study methodology because the researcher seeks in-depth knowledge about pay disparities in the participant’s workplace.

Grounded Theory Methodological Alignment

“What occurs when the topic of gender pay disparity is discussed in your workplace?” aligns with grounded theory as the researcher aims to generate concepts related to gender pay disparity in the workplace. Chun Tie et al. (2010) define grounded theory as the process of generating concepts around a research topic to explain how individuals address their central concerns.

Phenomenology Methodological Alignment

“How would you describe your personal experience with gender pay disparity?” aligns with the phenomenological approach as it allows the researcher to understand the unique experiences faced by participants regarding gender pay disparity.

Generic Qualitative Inquiry Methodological Alignment

“This research study aims to explore the pay equity disparities women face in their positions compared to their male counterparts” aligns with the generic qualitative inquiry methodology because the researcher seeks to uncover gender-based pay disparities in the workplace from the participants’ perspectives.

References

Barroso, A., & Brown, A. (2021, May 25). Gender pay gap in U.S. held steady in 2020. Pew Research Center. Retrieved March 23, 2022, from https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/05/25/gender-pay-gap-facts/

Crowe, S., Cresswell, K., Robertson, A., Huby, G., Avery, A., & Sheikh, A. (2011). The case study approach. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2288-11-100

Equal Pay/Compensation Discrimination | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (n.d.). Www.Eeoc.Gov. Retrieved March 24, 2022, from https://www.eeoc.gov/equalpaycompensation-discrimination