This is how we do research:
We explain the thought behind the action, by defining the topic, choosing situations, then identifying the patterns. We explain and then contrast cultures.
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 team lead and team members. 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, the inner logic.
Step 4 – Describe
We then describe in precise, concise and clear language what those individual patterns are, what the logic is.
Step 5 – Prove
We provide many pieces of evidence, from many areas of society, (see the examples under Patterns on UC) 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
We refine the 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: pursuit of truth and exposure of untruths.
Research Teams
The skillset required of our researchers: international background and/or experience; available, affordable, coachable; investigate, analyze, write; desire to understand and to explain.
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 foreigners who have gained significant experience in the target country (living, studying, working).
Researchers typically have a university education in the humanities with a master’s degree. Some are working on their doctorate. The researchers work on a contract basis for between ten and twenty hours per week.
Our researchers are highly motivated. The subject matter speaks to their experience. The research method is intellectually stimulating. Working under the direct supervision of John Magee means a steep learning curve for them.
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