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Research Design


Research Approach
            The research approach for this study will be a mixed method survey design. Survey research is used when researching the opinions, behaviors, and characteristics are being studied for a large sample or population (Creswell & Guetterman, 2019). This aligned well with the data that will be needed to answer the research questions presented.



Data Collection Methods
            For this research project, modifying an existing instrument will be utilized. Creswell & Gitterman (2019) find that finding and reusing or modifying an existing instrument is the easiest way to develop an instrument to collect data. For this project, there are already two mixed methods surveys used in similar research from studies back in 2010, as well as a 2017 survey. This researcher will aim to receive permission to use and modify these instruments for this study.

Initial Research Questions

1)      Is succession planning still as uncommon today as it was 3 years ago in the nonprofit sector?
2)      How many organizations with specifically baby boomer leaders have succession plans in place that take the millennial pipeline of leadership into account?
3)      Is the millennial generation being cultivated for future leadership role in nonprofits?
4)      Are millennials today interested in pursuing ED/CEO roles in nonprofits?
5)      What aspects of the nonprofit sector are influencing the interest level of millennials when it comes to striving for leadership roles? Do these aspects have a positive or negative influence on their perceptions and career goals?
Alignment of Methods to Research Questions
            For research questions one, there is a past research by Boardsource (2017) that used a quantitative survey that could be utilized for comparison. For questions two through four, there is a foundation that did research on these topics through their Executive Transition Series that I work aim to get permission from to use and modify their surveys (Executive Transition Series, n.d.).
Research Track Identified
            The most appropriate track for my dissertation will be the Quantitative Research Track. The survey questions I intend to use will be quantitatively based with close-ended questions, with only a small portion being qualitative in focus.

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