The expression of research in the language of identified behaviors

This week has offered me a chance to reflect upon quantitative and qualitative methods and how using a variety of statistical tests can provide a researcher with a holistic view of studied phenomena. An area of growth for me proved to be the interpretation of statistical data into the language of human behaviour and practice. When one uses research to guide operational improvement findings will be of little use if they cannot be made relevant to the actual behaviours inherent in a given discipline. I found that bridging the gap between statistical understanding and the articulation of recommendations to be a distinct skill set unto itself.

Leaders within organizations would benefit by understanding that improving performance through research must be backed by the ability to articulate specific, measurable behaviours. It is not enough to merely comprehend areas of opportunity, but one must be able pull this comprehension into the realm of human experience, allowing it to transform the organization.

In engaging in my own work I must remain vigilant in identifying practical ways that improvement can be attained. In ensuring that I do not become lost in a haze of data and conjecture, a prudent practice would be to filter potential plans of action through the lens of actual practice. Much as the grounded theorist establishes constructed theory upon actuality, I will establish recommended actions upon specific behaviours.

Using behaviour or performance based outcomes to express the intent of statistical findings allows organizations to take advantage of research efforts. For determined strategies and plans to be effective it must filter through the multiple layers of the organization. They best way to do this is to distil research findings into the palatable format of lived experience.