FPX 7868 Assessment 2 Research Theory for Qualitative Studies Name Capella university RSCH-FPX7868 Qualitative Design and Analysis

 Research Theory

This assessment will explore research theory to support the proposed study on equal pay for men and women with similar duties and the effects of disparity in the workplace. It will address intended outcomes that could have practical implications for the stakeholders of this proposed study. This assessment will discuss how the qualitative research study will enhance the knowledge base on the research of equal pay for men and women with similar duties and the effects of disparity in the workplace. Additionally, this assessment will analyze theoretical implications to understand the phenomena and describe the practical implications of this research study. Key Elements of the Theory Abend (2008) suggests that theories are formulated to explain, predict, and understand phenomena. Heath (2020) addresses the four key components of a theory: concepts, constructs, propositions, and models. The key components of equal pay for men and women with similar duties in the workplace are: Concepts Akerlof and Yellen (1990) state that pay disparity in the workplace can lead to adverse actions from employees who feel that their wages are not competitive with their opposite gender counterparts. Rouen (2020) finds evidence of a negative relation between unexplained pay disparity and future firm performance. Constructs The constructs of equal pay for men and women with similar duties and the effects of disparity in the workplace will focus on the following constructs: Perceived Severity Perceived severity refers to a negative consequence that an employee associates with an event or outcome. This construct focuses on the seriousness of pay disparity and its consequences. Perceived Barriers Perceived barriers are related to objective measurements of barriers. This construct focuses on the potential negative aspects of pay disparity in the workplace. Cues to Action Cues to action are triggers in the decision-making process. This construct focuses on factors that trigger action. Propositions Boyle (2017) defines propositions in qualitative research as statements about the likelihood of two or more concepts working together. There is a high probability of the constructs of perceived severity, perceived barriers, and cues to action working together. A proposition is not as precise as a hypothesis. Models Hasa (2016) explains that scientific models are often used to describe real-world phenomena by comparing them. Hypotheses and theories are essential parts of models. Sargent (2015) describes the four basic types of models as iconic, graphical, analog, and mathematical. How Theory Supports the Proposed Research The stakeholders in a qualitative research study on equal pay for men and women with similar duties and the effects of disparity in the workplace would include the research participants, organizations interested in leveling the pay disparity playing field, and others that the outcome of the research study may affect. Practical Implications Oni (2018) discusses practical implications and suggests that the researcher is realistic in describing what the study results may imply. It is important not to overstate the description of what the research study suggests. The study’s practical implications should include recommendations for future research in the implication body. Illustrative Examples Emery (2014) suggests that illustrative examples in research studies include word clouds, showcasing open-ended survey data beside closed data, photos beside participant responses, icons beside descriptions and answers, diagrams to explain concepts and processes, and graphic timelines. Gender and wage gap charts are examples of illustrations. Example of a Word Cloud Illustration Potential Implications of the Research Outcomes The potential implications of this qualitative research outcome would contribute to the knowledge base of pay and gender equity. Organizations will be able to use this research study to help understand whether their organization has gender pay disparity, which may lead to a difference in gender pay equality. Potential Implications for Organizations Buttner and Lowe (2017) suggest that future cross-cultural and intra-cultural studies continue investigating the differential impact of internal-external pay equity. Besides demonstrating the importance of gender pay equality, this study will also show the negative impact of pay disparities. Scholars need to research this topic in more detail to support and eliminate gender gaps consistently. References Abend, G. (2008). The Meaning of Theory. Sociological Theory, 26(2), 173-199. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9558.2008.00324.x Akerlof, G. A., & Yellen, J. L. (1990). The Fair Wage-Effort Hypothesis and Unemployment. The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 105(2), 255-283. https://doi.org/10.2307/2937787 Boyle, M. (2017, March). Qualitative Essentials. Nathan/Gold Coast Campuses Griffith University. Retrieved from