The continued demand for technical and professional communication across different fields has intensified the need for research. Thus, this has prompted scholars to explore various phenomena as related to their specific areas of study or profession. However, one should note that not all results generated through research can be applied. There are those that are sued to inform and prompt execution of further studies, while there are those that are targeted towards a particular problem. For instance, one could carry out a study showing why teenagers engage in drug abuse, and another could focus on how to help the same target population adopt a behavior change. The former example is representative of basic research, while the former is a form of applied research. A distinction of these two forms of research is warranted to clarify where they can be used and what purpose they serve. Further, to demonstrate the role of applied research, a discussion of its use in the context of Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) will be provided.
Theoretical Research v. Applied Research
Retrospectively, both basic (theoretical/fundamental) and applied research were perceived as “… activities of a different nature, carried out by different institutions and financed from different sources” (Osterlinck, Debackere & Cielen, 2002, p. 2). Thus, such a state of being changed following adoption of the idea of developing commodities and services from basic research. The paradigm shift in the industrial sector led to massive economic development thereby leading to weakening distinctions between basic and applied research (Osterlinck, Debackere & Cielen, 2002). The concern that the authors raised is that through adopting basic research when developing commodities and services, the role of applied research became obsolete and, in some cases, artificial. However, there is a need to clarify the differences between these two forms of research as they play varied roles when it comes to advancing of academic knowledge and its application. Understandably, the confusion that Osterlinck, Debackere and Cielen (2002) cited affected an understanding of what roles both basic and applied research play.
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Exploring the basic-applied dichotomy, Wolfe (2016) noted that there is a possibility for research to fall at both ends of the continuum, that is, functioning as basic research on one hand, while as applied research on the other. In some cases, research could fall in the middle, meaning that it can satisfy the “why” and “how” requirements of both basic and applied, while in other instances, it can satisfy neither criteria. Wolfe (2016) explained that “In the common view (and, perhaps, in your last grant proposal), basic and applied research not only lie on a line but also define a vector with a direction. Today’s basic research will lead to tomorrow’s application” (p. 1). Thus, having such an understanding, it is important for scholars and students alike, to understand that research can have multiple roles depending on context and to some extent, the specificity of the data generated. Accordingly, such kind of possibility rationalizes the need for balance between basic and applied research.
Rajesakar, Philominathan and Chinnathambi (2013) described basic research as involving an investigation of the reasons or basic principles for the occurrence of a particular phenomenon. Basic research, also referred to as theoretical research, is designed to promote further understanding of the mechanisms as well as patterns of both behavioral and social functioning, It helps to explain and provide knowledge regarding underlying mechanisms and processes (Johnson, Baur & Meissner, 2011). Thus, one can notice that basic research focuses on explaining why certain events occur in the way they do. For instance, one could explore why women in abusive relationships chose to remain even when they continue suffering from verbal, emotional, and physical oppression. In such a study, the researcher would be focused on explaining the basis of the behavior of such women. Some of the reasons could be lack of financial stability, drug addiction, existence of mental illness, alongside other factors. Thus, basic research “… provides a systematic and deep insight into a problem and facilitates extraction of scientific and logical explanation and conclusion on it” (Rajesakar, Philominathan & Chinnathambi, 2013, p. 7). Through illuminating the nature of a problem or issue, it helps advance or build new frontiers of knowledge.
Comparatively, applied research, as the name suggests, focuses more on providing solutions to existing phenomena. Applied research uses accepted theories and principles which are specific to the target problem. Notably, any research whose outcome leads to immediate application falls within applied research (Rajesakar, Philominathan & Chinnathambi, 2013). In the business environment, Brownell (2003) explained that knowledge acquired through applied research can only be useful to the extent that managers are able to apply it effectively through implementing ideas and principles acquired. Such a point of view clarifies the meaning of applied research and its function. One must be in a position to implement ideas generated in order for a particular study to fall within the category of applied research. However, in the event that knowledge acquired cannot be implemented, the study might be considered as basic research. While basic research seeks to provoke further analysis of a problem, applied research is mainly used to inform decision-making in business organizations, health institutions, and across other sectors.
The following table gives a comparison and contrast summary of both basic and applied research.
| Basic Research | Applied Research |
| Mainly focuses on advancing the body of knowledge | Makes use of existing body of knowledge to find solutions to existing problems |
| Based on generalization through exploration of how the underlying nature of mechanisms and processes | More specific and does not seek to generalize |
| Explains why things or phenomena occur | Focuses on showing how things can be changed |
| The language used in technical and sometimes difficult to comprehend for the general public | The knowledge used is common |
| Fact-seeking | Corrects problematic facts |
Applied Research in D.B.A. Program
Before delving into an explanation of how applied research can be used in the D.B.A program, it is important to describe this particular program. The D.B.A. program seeks to provide an opportunity for business professions to extend and refine their knowledge and skills in business at an advanced level (Jones, 2018). An individual undertaking this course is expected to apply emerging theories alongside practice in dealing with interdisciplinary business issues, use effective leadership in dynamic business environments, and enhance business decisions through applying financial information (Jones, 2018). Other roles are such as developing and implementing strategic solutions in dynamic business environments as well as conducting and disseminating research to advance business knowledge and provide solutions to existing problems. Thus, based on the description of the D.B.A. program, one can notice that the student is expected to learn ways through which he or she can apply knowledge to solve issues in dynamic business environments.
One of the core activities in the D.B.A. program is the dissertation project. The dissertation focuses on applied research project which places value on the importance of findings to the researcher. The dissertation is designed to help make a positive change in an organizational setting, which is specific to the researcher’s industry or employer (Jones, 2018). Thus, the researcher is expected to focus on an authentic problem based on theory alongside application of appropriate methodological and statistical techniques. Furthermore, the dissertation involves various steps that are designed to guide students from the proposal phase through completion of subsequent chapters and finally in the dissertation defense stage (Jones, 2018).
The description of the DBA program shows that a student must identify a problem in their place of work or in a particular organizational setting. Commonly, most students find difficulty selecting a topic which could affect the purpose and efficiency of applied research when writing the dissertation (Matin & Khan, 2017). Thus, a fundamental element in using applied research in the DBA program is to have a clear definition of a problem of practice. As noted, applied research involves the use of approved theory and principles to guide the researcher in finding solutions to existing issues. However, lack of having a well understood issue could undermining the usefulness of applied research in the program. As mentioned, the purpose of the DBA program is to expose learners to knowledge and skills they can use to solve issues in dynamic business environments. Understandably, issues can manifest themselves in various ways due to the complex systems within which organizations operate. For instance, one can identify an issue regarding the inefficiency of new technology. Thus, one could look at employee attitudes towards the technology, whether it fits within the organization’s work culture, potential issues with its use, alongside other factors. Such a problem would therefore demand the use of a systems thinking approach to find solutions to an existing phenomenon.
Conclusion
An understanding of the differences between theoretical and applied research is required especially for students enrolled in the DBA program. There is a risk for students to find difficulty identify a problem they could address in their dissertation. In such a case, it is possible to find oneself using basic instead of applied research when completing the dissertation. Therefore, there is a need for a clear identification of a problem which can guide one towards making the right choice regarding what approved theories and methodologies to use in discussing how the identified issue should be solved.
References
Brownell, J. (2003). Applied research in managerial communication: The critical link between knowledge and practice. Cornell Hotel and Restaurant Administration Quarterly, 44, 2, 39-49
Johnson, S. E., Baur, C., & Meissner, H. I. (2011). Back to Basics: Why Basic Research Is Needed to Create Effective Health Literacy Interventions. Journal of Health Communication,16 (Sup3), 22-29. doi:10.1080/10810730.2011.604707
Jones, G. R. (2018). The Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) program handbook. Trident University. Retrieved from https://mytlc.trident.edu/files/DBA-Handbook.pdf
Matin, A., M. & Khan, M. (2017). Common problems faced by postgraduate students during their thesis works in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Education, 8 (1), 1-7.
Oosterlinck, A., Debackere, K., & Cielen, G. (2002). Balancing basic and applied research. In a time of economic changes and stagnating support from the government, universities have to restructure and reshape their mission. EMBO reports , 3 (1), 2-5.
Rajasekar, S., Philominathan, P. & Chinnathambi, V. (2013). Research methodology. Retrieved from https://arxiv.org/pdf/physics/0601009.pdf
Wolfe, J. (2016). Rethinking the basic-applied dichotomy. Cognitive research: principles and implications , 1 (1), 1.
