To address the need for cultural diversity and gender variety in the global aviation industry, there is a need for exploratory research. The research would portray a true picture of the solid steps that need to be taken to address such a research problem. The essay explores why exploratory research is important in addressing the above problem. The article first focuses on the reasons why the research is important by emphasizing every point. Sources of qualitative data and some of the approaches used to access the data underscore the need why exploratory research is important. Data analysis is the final section that stresses different tools for information scrutiny.
Gender and cultural topics in aviation have been the issue of debates for a very long time now (Gao et al., 2013). While most business leaders agree on the need for cultural and gender integration in business operations, the majority of aviation managers are yet to provide a concise framework of what needs to be done (Aggarwal, 2014). Gender inclusion and multi-cultural diversity in aviation is now an overused phrase and there is a need for an urgent action to address the problem in order to mitigate some of the challenges facing global aviation industry today (McCarthy, 2015). The problem of gender and cultural inclusion is yet to be fully addressed (Archer, 2015).
Data type needed for exploratory research
Qualitative data is the most appropriate type of data to conduct exploratory research. Qualitative data is a type of information gathering meant to explore the nature of a phenomenon in order to get a deep understanding of the real issue at hand in its natural environment. The exploratory research aims to define the best way to structure a questionnaire and survey design when conclusive research is carried out (Burns et al., 2014).
Why qualitative research?
Qualitative data gives the researcher a new perspective on the best way to approach and understand a given phenomenon. Qualitative research generally aims to give a deeper insight and understanding of ideas, opinions, perception, and motivations of the possible targeted population. Through general conversations or through open-ended interviews, the researcher understands the problem better which helps in developing a stronger hypothesis. A more realistic insight helps in identifying more significant issues that would have otherwise left out (Coates, 2005).
Use of focus groups in exploratory research allows for the generation of a wide range of perspectives in a short period of time. Such a variety, for example, may help researchers to have an understanding of where the targeted population stands on the issue of gender and cultural integration in aviation.
Another reason for carrying out qualitative research is the need for researchers to understand the trend on the topic intended to be studied. Uses of open-ended questions allow respondents to give feedbacks which helps in coming up with new research questions not previously thought of. It is through qualitative research that the researcher is able to observe behaviors in different contexts from varied individuals and analyze them (Dekker, et al., 2013).
Places to obtain qualitative research
Focus groups and one-on-one interview are among the best-known sources of qualitative data. Researchers are able to get a variety of procedures in collecting and analyzing the data (Dick, 2014,). Also, through Observation researchers witnesses first-hand accounts on the field. The method aids in testing variables and gets a deeper understanding of how to apply research practically. Action research is another source of qualitative research. Action research arises from the need to come up with a solution to a problem. For example, a researcher may identify the need for aviation industry to include more women to operate military aircrafts. The researcher may then conduct an exploratory research on why such inclusion is important by conducting informal interviews, open discussions and open ended questionnaires of a targeted aviation crews. (Ferrance, 2016)
How to approach data access
There are three approaches to data access that helps in qualitative inquiry without losing background understanding of the concept. The first one is intuition approach. Before the researcher embarks on any research, there is a general understanding of field settings, observed events, and memories that make the researcher becomes familiar with the researched phenomenon. Understanding the situation is usually compared with earlier experience which is subjected to external scrutiny (Lewis, 2015). The major problem with this approach is that the ideas are mostly personal which make people fail to understand the basis of researchers’ conclusive statements.
The second approach is procedural which makes sure all stipulated rules are followed. The style aids the researcher in following a given procedure before concluding on any findings of the research. In practice, however, the procedure varies with the extent of judgment allowed in conclusion. Procedural approach acts as a charted path which ensures thoroughness by making sure every aspect of the research is considered. A third approach is an inter-subjective approach that refers to a shared understanding of a philosophical perspective. In this approach researcher’s conclusion and judgment is based on one’s understanding and experiences. Although the method is biased in conclusion it leads to a final product that generally fit the best description of a situation (Chen and Zhang, 2014).
Analysis of qualitative data
In qualitative data, figures collection and analysis almost occur simultaneously. Qualitative data does not have rigid rules but there are ground rules followed in data analysis. First one is data transcription by either using a manual or computer-assisted program. The step involves changing the data into a textual form (Carpendal et al., 2017). Computer tools like ATLAS.ti, and EVaSys. The step helps the data to be meaningful, sensible and structured. Organising data is the next step. Data transcription results to voluminous data that mostly make researchers confused. By aligning the findings with the research objectives, the researcher facilitates a clear path on how to arrange the results. The third step involves data coding by grouping data into perceptions, properties, and trends. To arrive at this step, the researcher should have a proper understanding of underlying theories, related studies, or observations (Dick, 2014). Coding may involve pattern coding, In-Vivo coding or summarizing the main theme. Data validation helps to ensure no procedure was breached. It is carried out in every process. Finally, the data is then analyzed conclusively. In this step, research outcomes are matched with objectives and presented in a final report (Daftary, and Craig, 2018).
Conclusion
Exploratory research is important in exploring natural environment and gets a true insight of a given situation. To address the problem of gender and cultural diversity in aviation, qualitative data is the most vital tool. The data can be obtained from aviation crews, stationed in a targeted area. The best way in which the researcher approaches data sources defines the outcomes of the findings.
References
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