Invitation to Organizations
Dear Sir/Madam: I’d like to invite your employees and volunteers to participate in a study I’m doing on beliefs in organizations called Beliefs that Matter. Several nonprofits like yours, coming from multiple faith traditions, are being asked to participate. This research is part of my doctoral dissertation at McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business. As a former manager and analyst who has worked in the nonprofit sector for over a decade, I know that strong values are very important in organizations. But we don’t talk much about how our personal attitudes—including our spiritual, religious, and non-religious thoughts—help us in our work and volunteer experiences. With your help, I’d like to explore how these beliefs provide guidance in daily decisions and challenges. |
Your organization can help by sending an open invitation to your employees on my behalf and asking them to contact me directly. Participation is voluntary, anonymous, and shown appreciation with an honorarium of $25. The data collection consists of 60- to 90-minute interviews with a few participants. They will be asked confidentially to discuss their beliefs and how they relate to their workplace experiences.
By participating in the study, your employees and volunteers will be involved in discoveries about wholeness, faith, and diversity at work. The study results will open up insights about (a) the effects of their beliefs, (b) the spiritual/religious aspect of their work, and (c) enriching the organizational culture, including (for faith-based organizations) what this means for enhancing their spiritual and religious experience. A report based on findings across multiple organizations will be made available to you at the completion of the study.
If you are interested in knowing more, I can provide further details regarding interview procedures, precautions, confidentiality, and compensation in a separate information letter and sample invitation e-mail. This study has been reviewed and cleared by the McMaster Research Ethics Board (MREB). If you have questions or concerns, please contact me. The MREB and my faculty supervisor are also available for questions. |
You can help us ensure that all faith groups in Canada are well represented. Through your involvement, others will learn how our diverse backgrounds make Canadian society vibrant and unique. I hope that this research will increase our appreciation of the place of our beliefs in nonprofit organizations and in society as a whole.
I’m requesting an opportunity to speak with you briefly in person or by telephone about how the research can work well for your organization. I look forward to getting in touch soon.
Sincerely,
Raymond B. Chiu
Doctoral Candidate
DeGroote School of Business
McMaster University
Downloads
Please use the following script and form when telling employees about the research.
E-mail for Organizations Inviting Employees/Volunteers
or Groups Inviting Members |
Advertising Flyers for Personal Distribution (colour)
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Consent Form for Participants
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