The functions of a hypothesis in management research

While some researchers believe that to conduct a study requires a hypothesis, having a hypoth­esis is not essential as already mentioned. However, a hypothesis is important in terms of bring­ing clarity to the research problem. Specifically, a hypothesis serves the following functions:

• The formulation of a hypothesis provides a study with focus. It tells you what specific aspects of a research problem to investigate.
• A hypothesis tells you what data to collect and what not to collect, thereby providing focus to the study.
• As it provides a focus, the construction of a hypothesis enhances objectivity in a study.
• A hypothesis may enable you to add to the formulation of theory. It enables you to conclude specifically what is true or what is false.

Source: Kumar Ranjit (2012), Research methodology: a step-by-step guide for beginners, SAGE Publications Ltd; Third edition.