Introduction
Research studies are relevant towards reducing human suffering. Such researches are also critical because they promote positive behaviours. Researchers should identify the best topics for their studies. The topic “Fun in the Workplace” attracts several ethical issues. The research can focus on several issues such as performance, teamwork, and equality in the workplace. The researcher should consider the best ethical issues to get quality results. This paper presents an assessment of several ethical concerns for the above research topic. The paper also offers a brief review of the Institutional Review Board (IRB).
Ethical Concerns for the Proposed Research Topic
The above research topic encourages scholars to analyze the issues affecting different working environments. The researcher should also encourage different human subjects to participate in the study. It is appropriate to consider every ethical issue affecting the study. Ethical issues make it easier for researchers to come up with quality results. Managers can use such findings to improve the effectiveness of their working environments (Cozby, 2012).
Employees in a given organization tend to have their unique liberties and rights. Researchers should inform every participant about the objectives of their studies. The researcher can also inform them about the benefits of the proposed study. It is appropriate for every researcher to promote the highest level of confidentiality (Flicker, Travers, Guta, McDonald, & Meagher, 2007). This ethical issue makes it easier for researchers to get the best findings. The researcher should ensure the participants are comfortable with the study. The researcher “should also use coded information to safeguard the rights and privacy of the people” (Flicker et al., 2007, p. 479).
The researcher must also be aware of the existing laws and regulations. For instance, the researcher should not arouse negative stereotypes or opinions throughout the study process (Cozby, 2012). The other ethical concern is the safety of different resources and documents. The scholar must store every confidential document in a secure place. This practice will ensure such files and documents are not accessed by unauthorized individuals.
According to Cozby (2012, p. 58), “researchers should be ready to protect the welfare of different participants”. For example, the research should minimize the risks and dangers associated with the targeted topic. The ‘researchers should also reduce the risk of mental discomfort” (Flicker et al., 2007, p. 484). Every research procedure should also be ethical and acceptable. Many organizations and institutions have unique principles to support their studies. Such principles are also critical towards reducing the level of negligence and irresponsibility. Researchers should consider the above issues before conducting their studies.
The researcher should also inform their participants about the nature of the proposed study. The targeted population should clearly understand the benefits and potential risks associated with the study. This practice “will ensure the participants give their informed consents” (Trochim & Donnelly, 2008, p. 59). Many employers hire disabled workers. Researchers must respect every disabled employee or participant. The findings obtained from the study should be fair and accurate. This “approach will promote the concept of veracity” (Trochim & Donnelly, 2008, p. 76).
The study should also support the needs of different participants. The “concept of beneficence encourages researchers to produce quality results” (Trochim & Donnelly, 2008, p. 65). Such concepts and ideas will generate new theories and policies. The above research proposal is critical towards improving the level of performance in different working environments. These ethical issues are critical to getting the best results and goals. It is appropriate for researchers to have clear plans before undertaking their studies. This practice is relevant towards addressing the challenges associated with the study. It is unethical for a researcher to expose his or her findings to a third party. This approach will ensure the study is ethically acceptable.
A Brief Review of the Institutional Review Board (IRB)
Researchers must consider every ethical requirement before undertaking their studies. This explains why “Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) should monitor, review, and approve different behavioral studies involving human subjects” (Flicker et al., 2007, p. 482). The first role of IRBs is to protect human beings from both psychological and physical injuries. These committees are common because they make it easier for researchers to embrace the best ethical considerations.
Some regulations and agencies are critical towards empowering these IRBs. The practice makes it easier for such IRBs to identify the best research processes or practices. These committees approve or disapprove of certain research studies. IRBs are important because they oversee the effectiveness of different research studies. They also ensure such researches are scientifically acceptable. The above discussion “explains why the IRB reviews and evaluates all research proposals and dissertations” (Flicker et al., 2007, p. 487). The Institutional Review Board also evaluates every dissertation.
This practice is relevant because it protects every human participant from various risks. The approach supports the rights and welfare of all research participants. Every nation should be ready to support the roles of these IRBs. The approach will ensure every research study is acceptable and ethical.
Reference List
Cozby, P. (2012). Methods in Behavioral Research. New York, NY: Atomic Dog.
Flicker, S., Travers, R., Guta, A., McDonald, S., & Meagher, A. (2007). Ethical Dilemmas in Community-Based Participatory Research: Recommendations for Institutional Review Boards. Journal of Urban Health: Bulleting of the New York Academy of Medicine, 84(4), 478-493.
Trochim, W., & Donnelly, J. (2008). The Research Methods Knowledge Base. New York, NY: McGraw Hill.