Business Isn't Just Numbers: Why 'How You Know' Matters More Than You Think

We throw around words like "data-driven" and "fact-based" in business. But how we obtain those facts, and what we consider a "fact", is rarely discussed. The world of research philosophies digs into just that, and it turns out these seemingly abstract ideas have very real consequences for how businesses run.

Think of Philosophy as Your Research 'Glasses'

Imagine having different 'glasses' you put on to look at a business problem. These are your research philosophies – they shape what you focus on, and even what you see as clear solutions. Here's a breakdown:

• The Positivist's Glasses: Everything that matters can be counted and measured. Sales reports, market surveys, these are their gospel. If new product sales tank, a positivist analyzes past launches, looks for statistical patterns to answer "why".
• The Interpretivist's Glasses: Experiences hold the truth, not just numbers. They might interview customers, really digging into their feelings about the product. They believe how an individual views something is part of its reality.
• The Realist's Glasses: They acknowledge there's more going on than meets the eye. Economic shifts, changing consumer mindset – these factors aren't always directly visible, but realists believe they profoundly shape results.
• The Pragmatist's Glasses: These are the 'whatever works' glasses. They might use surveys to identify pain points quickly, then interview folks for deeper context. For them, flexibility and practical results are most important.

So, Which Glasses are Right?

There's no one answer. Every philosophy has strengths:

• Positivists excel at finding big-picture trends and cause-effect on a large scale.
• Interpretivists reveal the 'human factor' - emotions and motivations can influence markets far more than spreadsheets show.
• Realists help prepare for unseen shifts that pure data can't predict.
• Pragmatists find that sweet spot between quick wins and long-term understanding.

Why This Matters to Your Business

Let's say you're in marketing. Choosing your philosophy isn't just academic:

• A positivist-led campaign might target broad demographics based on past behavior.
• An interpretivist-led one might tell the story of how one user was transformed by your product.

Both could work, but for different reasons! This isn't just about marketing either. Hiring strategies, company culture, and even seemingly cut-and-dry financial decisions are influenced by how decision-makers implicitly view what's knowable and 'real'.

The Real Power

Understanding these philosophies gives you two things:

1. Self-Awareness: Are you drawn to hard data, or personal stories? Do you focus on what you can see, or try to anticipate unseen factors? Understanding your own viewpoint makes you a stronger researcher.
2. Broader Understanding: The next time you see a business study, think about the 'glasses' the researchers were wearing. This helps you assess the study's strengths, its potential blind spots... and makes you a smarter consumer of business information.

The "why" behind your business decisions are just as important as the results themselves!

About the Author:

Faisal Siddiqui is an accomplished HR leader with a rich experience of 16 years in SMEs. He is a certified professional from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and holds postgraduate diploma in HRM from prestigious institutions - IIM Shillong and IMT Ghaziabad. Currently, he is broadening his academic horizon by pursuing a doctorate in Business Administration from Golden Gate University, US. Faisal's passion for writing is evident in his insightful articles on HR, Employee Experience, Psychological Safety, and Leadership. His writings reflect his deep understanding and practical knowledge of the field.