Direct observation as a technique in business research work

In business research work, direct observation represents the most natural technique and is related to the ability and predisposition to perceive the facts that take place in the organization and that are related to the subject of evaluation and to the prevailing work environment.

Direct observation is a very common technique, since it allows direct, personal, open or indiscriminate perception of what happens in a given environment, and specifically of the functions, activities, procedures, work practices, attitudes and disposition to teamwork.

It should not be overemphasized that the auditor should not be distracted by direct observation, since its use would be distorted; attention should be focused on the objective of the evaluation.

Basically this technique represents a form designed either in advance or at the time of use, to collect information without limits, both on the subject to be evaluated and on general aspects of the organization, its content must be clearly understood to ensure an accurate response.

There are closed (yes or no), open (free response) or multiple choice (several options to choose from) questionnaires. The closed type questionnaire shortens the process to obtain information; the open type broadens its coverage in interrelated aspects, even if they are not directly related to the same topic, and in the multiple-choice questionnaire, collateral effects are detected in the sense that reference is obtained to various related topics.