Types of Office Research

Market Research

• Many companies engage in market research to try to determine what their customers will want. This market research often involves asking customers to take surveys. However, many customers actively seek out businesses so that they can provide feedback, sometimes in response to a characteristic that they do not like about a product or service. Market researchers collect all of this information and use this to make adjustments to existing products and to develop new products. Companies also perform this research to develop effective marketing campaigns for new products. When researching markets overseas, companies often have to determine how the overseas culture might respond to their product.

Patent Research

• As companies develop new products, they must engage in patent research so that they can make sure that they are not in violation of a patent law. Violating patent laws can lead to companies wasting money on product research and also can lead to litigation, which can cost money and tarnish the reputation of the companies. The patent researching also can help give companies inspiration for their own products, but they must distinguish their innovations from those of others.

Grant Research

• Many companies engage in philanthropy for various reasons such as improving their image. Companies want to ensure, however, that the causes they contribute money to are worthwhile causes. They must determine if there is a sufficient need for the particular cause, and they must also determine if a particular nonprofit organization has successfully promoted the cause. Companies do not want to associate themselves with unsuccessful programs.

Process Research

• Businesses often engage in research to find new ways to improve the processes in the company. The processes are sets of activities that companies must engage in to allow them to meet various challenges. Some processes improvements might involve implementing new technology in the office, such as using a better database program. Other kinds of process improvement research involve developing new methods of management, such as the Six Sigma techniques that many companies implement to help them minimize waste and product defects.

Employee Research

• When hiring new employees, companies usually perform research on these applicants. Most companies do Web research of applicants to find information on these applicants' qualities. Some use credit histories to get a sense of if the applicant is responsible. The classic references and work history allow employers to check up on the employee's work habits and personal character.

Paralegals

• Many offices have paralegals who perform research for them to help them avoid legal problems. By having proper legal consultation, offices can gain the upper hand in a legal fight.