2-2 Short Paper: Critique of a Literature Review
Timothy Stewart-Brown
QSQ-500: Business Research
Southern New Hampshire University
2-2 Short Paper: Critique of a Literature Review
A study conducted by Ledimo (2015) was used to administer an organizational culture
audit on the South African Army. The purpose of the audit was to determine the individual
differences of the army's employees. During this study, the employees were asked to complete a
questionnaire about themselves, as well as the organizational culture inventory (Ledimo, 2015).
The organizational culture inventory "was used to measure organizational culture" (Ledimo,
2015). Finally, a literature review was completed of multiple studies, which were designed to
influence researchers who may conduct similar studies in the future on individual differences and
the organizational culture of a business.
Of the studies that were completed on individual differences, a majority of them
reported that there are significant statistical differences between individuals, based on the
variable of gender, age and race (Ledimo, 2015). The primary influencers for individual
differences between employees are gender, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, age and mental or
physical abilities and characteristics. However, in order for an organization to evolve and change,
they require more diversity, as well as being more creative and open to change (Martin & Roodt,
2008). Furthermore, most organizations have difficulty differentiating their needs from their
wants. An organization that respects differences between individual employees will benefit from
an environment that encourages competition, as well as increased productivity.
In terms of biases and limitations, the main example would be that a cross-sectional study
was used. This type of study allows for fast data collection, multiple variables, and it prompts
further study. However, no study type is perfect, and cross-sectional studies are no different. The
drawbacks to this type of study would be that the study can't differentiate between cause and
effect, and because the study used a questionnaire and organizational culture inventory, you are
most likely going to have reporting biases in your answers.
In regards to whether the study followed the guidelines in the textbook, Ledimo followed
them accurately. The paper had an abstract, which included clear explanations as to what the
study was, and how they planned to complete their objectives. Ledimo also indicated that this
study could be used to prompt further research into this subject. The introduction provided
background information, and the main issue the study was addressing. It also gave a clear outline
of what would be studied, why the information is important, and the resources that would be
used to complete the study. However, there were two elements that were lacking with this study
The first element would be that the study only looked into one organization when referencing
previous research. The other element would be that the conclusion of the study did not mention
why the study was conducted in the first place. However, even with these two missing elements
the study was conducted well overall. Ledimo mentioned the biases and limitations of the study,
and made it a poi