Enhancing Research Significance by Addressing “Why” [ editorial]
Wang, Jia
Enhancing Research Significance by Addressing “Why” [ editorial] - 291-293 p.
As the editor of Human Resource Development Review (HRDR), I have the privilege to read a large number of manuscripts. In the process of reviewing these potential publications, I have found myself constantly asking why some research projects were conducted in the first place. My question was prompted by two issues I noticed: (a) the authors did not provide adequate justification for the need for their research and (b) the justification provided by many authors is not compelling. These are among the top reasons that cause a manuscript to be rejected. In fact, based on my experience as a journal editor, manuscript reviewer, and research professor, I find it a common struggle among many scholars, particularly novice researchers and graduate students, to address the “why” aspect of research. Even when they understand conceptually the importance of their research, the authors may still fail to make a convincing justification in writing. Therefore, in this editorial, I share an approach I have personally used, which has enabled me to identify research gaps and make a stronger case for my research. This approach involves asking five questions, which I will elaborate on, one by one.
Research Significance
Enhancing Research Significance by Addressing “Why” [ editorial] - 291-293 p.
As the editor of Human Resource Development Review (HRDR), I have the privilege to read a large number of manuscripts. In the process of reviewing these potential publications, I have found myself constantly asking why some research projects were conducted in the first place. My question was prompted by two issues I noticed: (a) the authors did not provide adequate justification for the need for their research and (b) the justification provided by many authors is not compelling. These are among the top reasons that cause a manuscript to be rejected. In fact, based on my experience as a journal editor, manuscript reviewer, and research professor, I find it a common struggle among many scholars, particularly novice researchers and graduate students, to address the “why” aspect of research. Even when they understand conceptually the importance of their research, the authors may still fail to make a convincing justification in writing. Therefore, in this editorial, I share an approach I have personally used, which has enabled me to identify research gaps and make a stronger case for my research. This approach involves asking five questions, which I will elaborate on, one by one.
Research Significance