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The introduction section typically consists of a few key components, which together set the scene for your proposed study. These are:
We’ll unpack each of these below.
The background & context
Set the scene by providing some background contextual information for the reader. Explain any core concepts and/or terminology so that someone who is not a topic expert will have the necessary information to understand the research problem you’ll present (in the next section.
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Here’s an example:
In recent years, the impact of remote work on employee productivity and well-being has become a key area of interest in organisational research. Traditionally, workplace performance has been assessed based on physical presence and structured office environments. However, with the widespread adoption of remote and hybrid work models, new factors such as digital collaboration, work-life balance, and self-management have emerged as critical influences on employee outcomes.
One core concept in this discussion is productivity, which can be defined in various ways, including output per hour, task completion rates, or subjective self-reported efficiency. Another key term is work engagement, referring to an employee’s level of enthusiasm, commitment, and absorption in their work. Understanding these factors is essential for evaluating how remote work arrangements impact both individual and organisational success.
This research seeks to explore these dynamics further, with a particular focus on how different remote work structures affect productivity and engagement in knowledge-based roles.
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The problem statement (research problem)
Based on the background and context that you’ve just presented, clearly explain and articulate the research problem that you will ultimately aim to address/solve.
You may feel that your problem is obvious, but you still need to make it explicit here. Don’t assume that the reader will connect the dots - always write for the non-expert reader.
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Here’s an example:
While remote work has become a standard practice across many industries, its impact on employee productivity and engagement remains unclear. Some studies suggest that remote work enhances productivity by reducing distractions and commute times, while others highlight challenges such as isolation, lack of supervision, and blurred work-life boundaries, which can reduce efficiency and motivation.
Despite growing interest in this topic, there is limited consensus on the specific factors that influence productivity and engagement in remote settings, particularly in knowledge-based roles. Many existing studies focus on broad organisational trends rather than the individual experiences and workplace structures that shape employee performance.
This research aims to address this gap by examining how different remote work arrangements—such as fully remote versus hybrid models—affect productivity and engagement. By identifying the key drivers and barriers, this study seeks to provide insights that can inform workplace policies and improve remote work strategies.
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If you’re unsure about what your research problem is, or how to present it, this video will help get you on track.