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Sherma Edwards 1
DEPM 650 Section 9040

Sherma Edwards
DEPM 650 Section 9040
February 22nd, 2015
Elements of Research Planning

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Introduction
This paper introduces the fundamental elements of research planning and the reader will be
exposed to a brief description of a research topic of interest in distance education (DE), a list of twenty
references, annotations of five of the chosen references, a statement of research question and an essay that
identifies an appropriate methodology for the proposed research question.
Research Interest
Industrialization has impacted the world economically and socially. Subsequently, it has
encouraged the evolution of DE because of globalization and societal shift. Due to constant
modernization and innovation, countries worldwide have been transformed into a Digital Age. Today,
organizations must hire a leader who can handle the fast-pace and growing industry or new revolution.
He/she must be able to deal with the constant flow of information and growth in technology, envision the
future, and stimulate change. He/she must have the right attributes and abilities to positively impact the
institution and to get the job done. However, women do hold substantially fewer positions in higher
education (HE) teaching, and administration than men even though women receive more Ph.D. degrees
than men (Mundy, Kupczynski & Spillett, 2015, p.53). Today, DE and its opportunities have eliminated
some gender disparity in HE and women are able to balance work and family life, and this presents
women with more roles and leadership opportunities. As a result, this paper will explore the challenges
faced by women leaders in DE and their subordinates. The initial and holistic focus groups will be female
leaders in general in DE and their leadership styles compared to those in the researchers department.
Questions such as if the leadership styles do positively or negatively impact the motivation or success of
subordinates in the researchers department will also be examined and how the leaders attributes are
perceived by these followers. This study will provide the departmental heads with feedback and
awareness through purposive sampling, qualitative research and the use of literature reviews.

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Literature Search
Abiodun, F. (2008). Distance learning and women marinalization: The gender oriented
perspective. Centre for Governance and Qualitative Studies. Wikieducator. Retrieved from
http://wikieducator.org/images/e/e8/PID_746.pdf
Aaker, S. (2003). Leadership styles of executive female administrators in Tennessee community.
Retrieved from http://www.leadershipchallenge.com/Research-section-Others-ResearchDetail/abstract-aaker---leadership-styles-of-executive-female-administrators.aspx
Cheung, F.M., & Halpern, D.F. (2010). Women at the top: Powerful leaders define success as
work+ family in a culture of gender. American Psychologist, 65(3), 182-193.
doi:10.1037/a0017309
Cook, A, & Glass, C. (2014). Woman and top leadership positions: towards and institutional
analysis. Gender Work & Organization, 21(1), 91-103. doi:10.1111/gwao.12018
Ekren, G. (2014). Womens perception of leadership in distance education. International Women
Online Journal of Distance Education. 3(4), 27 Retrieved from
http://www.wojde.org/FileUpload/bs295854/File/04_33.pdf
Ewha Womans University. (2013). Center for womens leadership development. Retrieved from
http://www.ewha.ac.kr/mbs/ewhaen/subview.jsp?id=ewhaen_010802190000
Hayyat Malik, S. (2012). A study of relationship between leader behaviors and subordinate job

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expectancies: A path-goal approach. Pakistan Journal of Commerce & Social Sciences, 6(2), 357371. Retrieved from http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.umuc.edu/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?
sid=3dcce91a-3caf-4a85-9b3b-6b4c7c1dceec%40sessionmgr112&vid=2&hid=117
Kanwar, A, Ferreira, F & Latchem, C. (2013). Perspectives on open and distance learning:
women and leadership in open and distance learning and development. Commonwealth of
Learning, Vancouver. Retrieved from
http://www.col.org/PublicationDocuments/pub_ps_WomenLeadership.pdf
Lowe, M. (2010). Breaking the stained glass ceiling: collaborative leadership theory as a model
for women in theological higher education. Journal of Women in Educational Leadership.
Retrieved from digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1007&context=jwel
McLoughlin, S.W. (2009). Differing backgrounds/differing perspectives: wrestling with diversity
and democracy at institution of higher education. International Journal of Diversity in
Organizations, Communications & Nations, 9(4), 109-119. Retrieved from
http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.umuc.edu/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=3dcce91a-3caf-4a859b3b-6b4c7c1dceec%40sessionmgr112&vid=8&hid=117
Mundy, M., Kupczynski, L., & Spillett, M.A. (2015). Motivation and success of female
administrators in distance learning. National Forum of Educational Administration &
Supervision Journal., 32(2), 53-65. Retrieved from
http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.umuc.edu/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=3dcce91a-3caf-4a859b3b-6b4c7c1dceec%40sessionmgr112&vid=11&hid=117

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Olcott, D. Jr., Hardy, D. & Madden, T. (2004). Leadership choices for the future. Essay in
Leadership. Retrieved from http://atwood.six-o-six.com/content/leadership-choices-future
Perkowski, J. (2012). The role of gender in distance learning: A meta-analytic review of gender
differences in academic performances and self-efficacy in distance learning. Journal of
Educational Technology Systems, 41(3) 267-278. Doi:10.2190/ET.41.3.e
Pfaff, L. A, Boatwright, K.J., Potthoff, A. L., Finan, C., Ulrey, L.A., & Huber, D.M. (2013).
Perceptions of women and men leaders following 360-degree feedback evaluations. Performance
Improvement Quarterly, 26 (1)35-56.doi:10.1002/piq.21134
Reimers-Hild, C. (2009). Six questions for entrepreneurial leadership and innovation in distance
education. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration. Retrieved from
http://www.westga.edu/~distance/ojdla/winter124/reimers-hild124.html
Saks, D. (2009). Education at a distance: Best practices and considerations for leadership
educators. Journal of Leadership Education. Retrieved from
http://www.leadershipeducators.org/Resources/Documents/jole/2009_summer/JOLE_8_1_Saks.p
df
Satyanarayana, P., & Meduri, D. (2007). The qualities of leadership required in distance
education. Asian Journal of Distance Education. Retrieved
from://www.asianjde.org/2007v5.1.Satyanarayana.pdf?q=asian-journal-of
Shava, G. & Ndebele, C. (2014). Challenges and opportunities for women in distance education
positions: Experiences from the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU). University of Venda, Centre
for Higher Education Teaching and Learning. Retrieved from http://www.krepublishers.com/02-

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Journals/JSS/JSS-40-0-000-14-Web/JSS-40-3-14-Abst-PDF/JSS-40-3-359-14-1552-Shava-GN/JSS-40-3-359-14-1552-Shava-G-N-Tx[7].pdf
Ulrich, D., & Smallwood, N. (2013). Effective leaders. Leadership Excellence, 30(4), 10.
Retrieved from http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.umuc.edu/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?
sid=60d41b98-1248-49a9-935a-264a2f446d6a%40sessionmgr113&vid=39&hid=113
Utah Valley University (2013). Utah women & leadership project. Retrieved from
http://www.uvu.edu/uwlp/
Annotations
Ekren, G. (2014). Womens perception of leadership in distance education. International Women
Online Journal of Distance Education. 3(4), 27 Retrieved from
http://www.wojde.org/FileUpload/bs295854/File/04_33.pdf
In this article, Ekren examines whether a specific leadership style is useful for women in DE and
learning institutions in Turkey. Two hundred and thirty-two women were evaluated on how these women
assess themselves as a DE leader and recommendations were made to educate the leaders on how to
improve existing abilities. The data was evaluated on the womens perceptions surveyed in this online
journal, subsequently, with that of their demographic and personal attributes. The study also concludes
that there was a lack of women leaders, for example in senior managerial positions at these DE
institutions.
Kanwar, A, Ferreira, F & Latchem, C. (2013). Perspectives on open and distance learning:
women and leadership in open and distance learning and development. Commonwealth of
Learning, Vancouver. Retrieved from
http://www.col.org/PublicationDocuments/pub_ps_WomenLeadership.pdf
In this book, the authors offer exceptional and valuable insights on the goals, ideas, obstacles,
frustrations, inventions and triumphs among twelve outstanding women, with a background in open and
DE and methods are constructed to help other women in becoming effective leaders. These women
express their views based on their own experience as leaders dealing with the context of socio-economicsand how they were able to overcome the challenges in their society.

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Reimers-Hild, C. (2009). Six questions for entrepreneurial leadership and innovation in distance
education. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration. Retrieved from
http://www.westga.edu/~distance/ojdla/winter124/reimers-hild124.html
The author, Reimers-Hill discusses six questions and answers for entrepreneurial leaders in DE.
He mentions that management or leadership teams must be open to administrative or leadership changes
and HE institutions should work on developing entrepreneurial individuals. These individuals will be very
important because modernization and innovation is a vital element of success to any educational
organization and institutional originators in the evolving entrepreneurial economy and it is necessary to
become proficient in todays competitive educational market. Currently, having innovative abilities serves
as a requirement for entrepreneurial leaders and leadership teams.
Saks, D. (2009). Education at a distance: Best practices and considerations for leadership
educators. Journal of Leadership Education. Retrieved from
http://www.leadershipeducators.org/Resources/Documents/jole/2009_summer/JOLE_8_1_Saks.p
df
In this article, Saks illuminates the importance of E-learning and explains that this type of
teaching and learning environment has increased. E-Learning gives students worldwide an opportunity to
obtain an education at a distance. Saks also states that DE programs must include an application of
appropriate technology, add strong communication skills and develop quality courses for its learners.
Leadership teams and educators must follow specific practices to maintain success rates in this
competitive educational environment. Women are slowly transitioning into higher management and
leadership positions, but because of their personal needs and communication styles they may be perceived
as invaluable within the virtual community. As a result, women may struggle to have a valuable impact on
others, since their experience may be less meaningful than their colleagues of different gender.
Transitioning into the 21st century, the article suggests leadership classes must be taught and students to be
educated on the matter but additional considerations for female students must be made for women leader
to become more successful.
Shava, G. & Ndebele, C. (2014). Challenges and opportunities for women in distance education
positions: Experiences from the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU). University of Venda, Centre
for Higher Education Teaching and Learning. Retrieved from http://www.krepublishers.com/02Journals/JSS/JSS-40-0-000-14-Web/JSS-40-3-14-Abst-PDF/JSS-40-3-359-14-1552-Shava-GN/JSS-40-3-359-14-1552-Shava-G-N-Tx[7].pdf

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The authors investigate the managerial positions within DE where gender was predominantly
males and the challenges women are faced with in this similar educational environment. A qualitative
study was undertaken and topics such as societal, financial, traditional, political and religious factors that
impact women either in their progression or advancement in senior managerial positions in Open and
Distance Learning were discussed. A survey was conducted and illustrated based on a face-to-face
interview with the use of purposive sampling and testing. The survey did include one hundred and twenty
employees who worked at Zimbabwe Open University. The findings in this study expressed that woman
in senior managerial positions struggled with social and personal constraints such as family life, culture
and gendered nature of society. It is recommended from the study that is best to develop an open and
honest discussion forum to advocate equal rights of both women and men on gender and equal rights by
involving the development of a family friendly culture in universities.
Statement of Research and Questions
DE has increased in both size and strategic importance; it presents women with opportunities to
take leadership roles Nevertheless, little is known about the role of women administrators in distance
higher education (Mundy, Kupczynski & Spillett, 2015, p.53). However, based on a preconceived
notion, assumption and theory, women leaders are faced with challenges in DE and these challenges can
impact the managerial and subordinate interaction. Below are the questions that will be investigated by
the researcher and later addressed:

Do gender issues in the DE leadership or management teams affect the productivity, motivation,
success rates of employees or job expectancies? If so, what type of impact does this have on the
workers and the institution? Do employees prefer having a male as a leader or manager over a

female?
The targeted population and observation will consist of female administrators, senior managers
and women in leadership roles. What challenges, opportunities and incentive or success are
experienced with their subordinates or followers in DE? What are some of the women leaders
and employees perspectives? Does differing background or diversity impact decision making or

strategic planning?
There is a change in attitude and turnover rates have increased in the researchers department.
How has the female managerial style impacted the employees in this department and is there a
difference in leadership styles between male and female? Is there a preference to having a male

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over a female leader in this department? As part of an observation, the turnover rate has increased

only when the male director left and more female mangers were hired. What is done differently?
What are gender disparities and the role of gender in DE and leadership and choices for the
future?

Above is a list of preliminary questions that was obtained from the literature search, annotated
readings and a generalized assumption and theory. This study will potentially help improve practice in the
researchers current DE department. A qualitative research will be conducted to answer the whys and
hows of human behavior, opinion, and experience-information that is difficult to obtain through a more
quantitatively-oriented method of data collection (Marshall & Rossman, 2006, p.1). This sample was
chosen because of the gender disparities in DE and the constant changes observed at the researchers
place of employment. In the past, the researcher has disagreed with the leaders and their management
styles or decisions at the researchers job. However, after completing a course, DEPM 604 Management
and Leadership in Distance Education & E-Learning, the researcher learnt that it was not the best solution
as a follower to retaliate whenever the researcher didnt agree with the managers perspective or because
of the constant change process. The best way to address opposition is to provide suggestions and feedback
and this seems to be working adequately. The knowledge obtained from the DEPM 604 program has
encouraged the researcher to do further examination and there is hope that the results can add value to the
existing literature and to help increase the gap in literature on topic of female leaders. The researcher is
also curious about the results that will be obtained from her fellow peers. It is hoped that the perspectives
and responses on some of the issues in the department can develop a conducive environment for both the
leaders and followers now or in the near future.
Methodology
The purpose of this study is to explore how the relationship between subordinates and the female
leaders in the researchers department can be improved. Also to examine what types of impact does the
leaders behavior or management styles have on the subordinates job expectancies. As part of this

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investigation, the researcher will try to make sense of the situation through applied research and a
phenomenology approach for data collection. Applied research strives to improve our understanding of a
problem, with the intent of contributing to the solution of the problem (Marshall & Rossman, 2006, p.2)
especially issues experienced in the real-world. While phenomenology focuses on the individual
experiences, beliefs and perceptions (Marshall & Rossman, 2006, p.8) In addition to these methods, as
part of the learning process the researcher will try to discovery and integrate (Willis, 2008, p.47) and
interact with other individuals in the department to obtain the best results possible and to a avoid bias
objective and perception.
According to Neumann (2006) human subject issues are more salient in survey research,
experiments, and field research than in existing documents, secondary data analysis, content analysis, or
historical-comparative research (p.10). For this reason the topic on gender can evoke intense emotion
and controversy depending on the research questions asked (Neumann, 2006, p. 110). As a result,
information on surveys and literature concerning women in society may be beneficial to help justify why
there is a gender disparity in HE leadership roles. Other methods of research will include notes,
interviews, and conversations with other individuals via open-ended, inductive and flexible questions
(Marshall & Rossman, 2006, p.4) with individuals in the department. This will allow the researcher to
obtain a diverse set of responses, feedback and understanding and these responses will be built into the
research design itself by employing a theoretical sampling strategy so that sampling procedures during
the data collection process is based only on incoming data (Marshall & Rossman, 2006, p.4).
The first step of the search, however, was initiated through databases such as Google Scholar and
UMUCs Library One Search. As part of the criteria for the study, key words pertaining to the research
questions were entered and the articles had to be written in the last 10 years as well as some empirical
data had to be included. There were exceptions, for example, the article on Leadership Styles of
Executive Female Administrators in Tennessee Community (Aaker, 2003) and Leadership Choices for

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the Future written by (Olcott, Hardy & Madden, 2004) these were chosen because the authors are wellknown in the field and a specific community in DE was investigated.
After completing and reviewing the literature the next issue of concern was to consider some
ethical and moral dimensions (Neumann, 2006, p. 129). Therefore for the sole purpose of this
assignment, the researchers department will be referred to as XY and participants names will not be
discussed. This information will only be used for professional social research (Neumann, 2006, p. 129)
and departmental approval has been initiated and an informed consent will be distributed to employees
who do voluntarily wish to participate (Neumann, 2006, p. 136)
Participants
Participants will only include the subordinate employees currently working in the XY department.
These individuals will be selected via open invitation and access that will be granted through a link to the
survey that will be created on an official website such as survey monkey. Verbal conversations will be
conducted with the researchers professional colleagues in the XY department and will be invited to
participate to in the study both in an anonymous and voluntary manner.
Procedure
The participants will be asked their opinion on the relationship between subordinates and
departmental heads and if it is positive or negative and if their personal job expectancies are being met.
The survey will include a section informing contributors the purpose of this scholarship also additional
open-ended question will be asked. Each participant will be expected to complete the assessment solely
on their work experience in the XY department.
Measures
The challenges faced by women leaders and how their management styles, behaviors or attributes
may affect subordinates will be measured. A set of questions on each topic measuring attributes, for

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example directive, supportive and innovative attributes or challenges such as family life and lack of
experience will be investigated. A sample item for an innovative leader is, Does she display excellent
strategic vision? and for supportive Does she show a positive regard and acceptance for others? An
example for a leader with challenges will be, Does she have a family to attend to at home or is she
always present at work? In the survey, the participants will have the option to indicate their responses via
a five point of Likert-type scale listed below:

1. Strongly disagree
2. Disagree
3. Neither agree nor disagree
4. Agree
5. Strongly agree

Job Expectancies
Job expectancies will be measured in two categories. One sample item will be, Does working
very hard every day and meeting your job goals lead to a higher quality output? The second sample is
Does the XY department give recognition for meeting these goals? The same Likert- scale will be used
in this section.
Results
The results will be concluded after the survey and research is completed.
Conclusion
Research is conducted as a method of obtaining knowledge and examining the world. The results
may confirm what is already known to begin with or may extend exposure to newer perspectives and

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additional data. However, research cannot be done without effectively planning each step through the
fundamental elements of research planning.

References
Berkwits, M., & Inui, T. (1998). Making use of qualitative research techniques. Journal of
General Internal Medicine. 13(3): 195-199. doi: 10.1046/j.1525-1497.1998.00054.x

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Eisner, C. (2012). VI. Writing the research statement: how and why you research what you do.
Academic Coaching & Writing. Retrieved from
http://www.academiccoachingandwriting.org/academic-writing/academic-writing-blog/viwriting-the-research-statement-how-and-why-you-research-what-you-do
Field, A. (2013). Discovering statistics using SPSS (4rd.ed.). Thousand Oaks: Sage
Hayyat Malik, S. (2012). A study of relationship between leader behaviors and subordinate job
expectancies: A path-goal approach. Pakistan Journal of Commerce & Social Sciences, 6(2), 357371. Retrieved from http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.umuc.edu/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?
sid=3dcce91a-3caf-4a85-9b3b-6b4c7c1dceec%40sessionmgr112&vid=2&hid=117
Marshall, C., & Rossman, G. (2006). Designing qualitative research. Sage Publications. Online
version. Retrieved from http://www.sagepub.com/upm-data/48453_ch_1.pdf
Mundy, M., Kupczynski, L., & Spillett, M.A. (2015). Motivation and success of female
administrators in distance learning. National Forum of Educational Administration &
Supervision Journal., 32(2), 53-65. Retrieved from
http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.umuc.edu/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=3dcce91a-3caf-4a859b3b-6b4c7c1dceec%40sessionmgr112&vid=11&hid=117
Marshall, C., & Rossman, G. (2006). Designing qualitative research. Sage Publications. Online
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http://dissertation.laerd.com/purposive-sampling.php#maximum-variation-sampling

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Neumann, W.L. (2006). Chapter 5.The literature review and ethical concerns. DEPM 650.
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Perkowski, J. (2012). The role of gender in distance learning: A meta-analytic review of gender
differences in academic performances and self-efficacy in distance learning. Journal of
Educational Technology Systems, 41(3) 267-278. Doi:10.2190/ET.41.3.e
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