This is how we do research:
We explain the thought behind the action, by defining the topic, choosing situations, then identifying the patterns.
For example, the topic Leadership. How people in a culture lead and want to be led. Not theory. Not analysis of historical figures. Instead, the daily interaction between hierarchical levels. Concrete, specific, relevant.
We analyze the interaction between leader and led in a how a society organizes itself (government), in how it defends itself (military), in how it feeds itself (business), and in how it prepares its youth for a competitive world (sports).
We look for patterns in the working relationship between a German chancellor and their cabinet, an American president and their cabinet; between an officer and a soldier in the German Bundeswehr, the same in the U.S. Army.
We look for the patterns between a German CEO and their board-level colleagues, between an American CEO and the other board members; between a German soccer coach and the players, and their counterparts in American football, basketball, baseball.
Here are the steps we take when researching, for example, the topic of Leadership in Germany:
Step 1 – Identify
We identify those sources (areas, situations, examples) in the German culture where the German approach to leadership is taught, explained, practiced.
These sources must: a.) be indicative, widespread, typical, reflective of the German culture, and b.) provide sufficient evidence (information) which can be gathered and analyzed.
Step 2 – Gather
We gather the evidence. Remove what is not helpful. Sort the rest in the order to be analyzed.
Step 3 – Analyze
We analyze the evidence carefully. What are the commonalities among these areas, situations, examples? The commonalities represent patterns in behavior, the inner logic.
Step 4 – Describe
We then describe in precise, concise and clear language what those patterns are, what that logic is.
Step 5 – Illustrate
We provide many pieces of evidence, from many areas of society (see the examples under Patterns), which both illustrate our statements and serve as evidence for the validity of those statements.
Step 6 – Critique
We ask Germans working internationally (inside point-of-view), as well as non-Germans working with Germans (outside point-of-view), to critique the results from Steps 4 and 5.
Step 7 – Refine
And we refine our analysis from Steps 4 and 5 by listening carefully to user feedback, whether our analysis speaks to their experience.
Step 8 – Re-search
Research means re-searching. We continue our research on the topic. The search for understanding never ends. The goal is twofold: the pursuit of truth and the exposure of untruths.
Research Teams
The qualities we look for in our researchers: international background and or experience; available, affordable, coachable; the ability to investigate, analyze, and write.
Our research teams are formed as needed for each country and topic. They work strictly according to the method described above. The researchers either come from the target country or are non-natives who have gained significant experience in the target country (living, studying, working).
Our researchers typically have a university master’s degree. Some are working on their doctorate. They come from many academic disciplines: humanities, natural sciences, law, etc. The researchers work on a contract basis.
Our researchers are highly motivated. The subject matter speaks to their experience. Our research method is intellectually stimulating. Working under the direct supervision of John Magee means a steep learning curve for them.
See how John did his First Research Project.
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