How to write a recommendation in a research paper

Writing recommendations in a research paper is critical to translating findings into actionable insights. Writing an effective recommendation requires a systematic approach that considers the significance of research findings, the needs of the target audience, and the feasibility of implementation. Let’s explore the key steps in writing recommendations for a research paper, emphasizing clarity, relevance, and practicality. By following these guidelines, researchers can ensure that their recommendations are well-founded, persuasive, and capable of driving positive change in their respective fields.

What are the Recommendations in research?

In research, recommendations typically refer to actionable suggestions or proposals based on the findings of a study. These recommendations aim to address the research problem, fill knowledge gaps, or suggest courses of action for practitioners, policymakers, or other stakeholders. Recommendations are often included in the conclusion section of a research paper or report, and they should be logical, evidence-based, and relevant to the study’s objectives. They can range from practical suggestions for further investigation to policy recommendations for real-world application. The quality of recommendations depends on the thoroughness of the research, the validity of the findings, and the expertise of the researchers.

How to Write Research Recommendations

1. Review Findings

   • Start by thoroughly reviewing your research findings. This involves revisiting your data analysis, observations, and interpretations.
   • Identify the main themes, patterns, or conclusions from your study. What are the key takeaways?
   • Consider any limitations or uncertainties in your findings that might influence your recommendations.

2. Identify Priority Areas

   • Based on your review of findings, pinpoint the areas that are most critical or need attention.
   • Look for trends, discrepancies, or gaps in the data that suggest where action is needed.
   • Consider the significance of each area in the overall goals and objectives of your research.

3. Be Specific

   • Each recommendation should address a specific aspect of the research findings. Avoid generalizations or sweeping statements.
   • Clearly articulate what action or change is recommended and why it is necessary.
   • Use concrete examples or evidence from your study to illustrate the relevance of each recommendation.

4. Provide Rationale

   • For each recommendation, provide a clear rationale that explains why it is essential or beneficial.
   • Refer back to your research findings to support your rationale. How does each recommendation address a particular issue or fill a knowledge gap?
   • Consider including relevant literature or external evidence to further strengthen your rationale.
5. Consider Feasibility
   • Assess the practicality and feasibility of implementing each recommendation.
   • Consider available resources, time constraints, and potential barriers or challenges.
   • Be realistic about what can be achieved within the given context and constraints.
6. Think about Stakeholders
   • Identify the key stakeholders affected by or involved in implementing the recommendations.
   • Tailor your language and approach to resonate with these stakeholders’ needs, concerns, and priorities.
   • Consider engaging stakeholders in the implementation process to ensure buy-in and support.

7. Offer Implementation Strategies

   • Provide clear and practical suggestions for how each recommendation can be implemented.
   • Break down the steps or actions needed to put the recommendation into practice.
   • Specify any resources, tools, or support required to facilitate implementation.

8. Anticipate Impacts

   • Consider the potential consequences or outcomes of implementing the recommendations.
   • Identify both positive and negative impacts, as well as any unintended consequences.
   • Anticipate how the recommendations might affect different stakeholders or aspects of the research context.

9. Be Concise

   • Keep your recommendations concise and focused on the most essential points.
   • Avoid unnecessary elaboration or repetition that could obscure the main message.
   • Use clear and straightforward language to ensure that your recommendations are easily understood.

10. Use Formatting

    • Consider formatting your recommendations as a bulleted or numbered list to improve readability.
    • Use headings or subheadings to organize related recommendations into distinct sections.
    • Highlight key phrases or terms to draw attention to important points.
11. Review and Revise
    • After drafting your recommendations, take the time to review and revise them carefully.
    • Check for clarity, coherence, and consistency in your wording and formatting.
    • Consider seeking feedback from colleagues or mentors to ensure your recommendations are well-developed and compelling.
12. Include in Conclusion
    • Finally, incorporate your recommendations into the conclusion section of your research paper or report.
    • Summarize the key points and highlight the importance of implementing the recommendations.
    • Reinforce the link between your recommendations and the broader implications of your research findings.

Pros of Research Recommendations

1. Provides Direction for Future Research
   Recommendations help identify gaps or limitations in the current study and guide future researchers on building upon or expanding the existing work. This ensures that research is continuously evolving and improving.

2. Supports Decision-Making
   Well-grounded recommendations can be valuable to policymakers, educators, or practitioners by offering concrete suggestions based on data and findings. They turn academic knowledge into actionable steps.

3. Enhances Research Relevance
   Recommendations linked to real-world applications increase the study’s relevance beyond academia and show how findings can solve practical problems or inform policies.

4. Demonstrates Critical Thinking
   Including thoughtful recommendations shows that the researcher has analyzed their findings and reflected on what could be improved, added, or done differently.

Cons of Research Recommendations

1. May Be Too Speculative
   Sometimes, recommendations are based on assumptions or limited data, leading to speculative suggestions that may not be valid or feasible in other contexts.

2. Lack of Practicality
   If recommendations are too broad or idealistic, they might not be actionable. Stakeholders may find it challenging to implement them due to resource, time, or policy constraints.

3. Can Be Misinterpreted
   Poorly worded or vague recommendations may be misunderstood or taken out of context, leading to ineffective or even harmful decisions if misapplied.

4. Dependence on Research Quality
   Recommendations are only as strong as the research itself. If the study has methodological flaws, its recommendations might be weak or unreliable, leading to further complications.

Difference Between Research Recommendations and Implication

Structure of Recommendations

The structure of recommendations in a research paper typically follows a logical sequence and should be clear, concise, and actionable.

1. Introduction to Recommendations: Begin by briefly summarizing the study’s key findings to provide context for the recommendations.
2. Priority Areas: Based on the research findings, identify and prioritize the most significant areas or issues that need attention. These could be gaps in knowledge, areas of concern, or opportunities for improvement.
3. Specific Recommendations: Provide specific, actionable recommendations for addressing each priority area. These recommendations should be based directly on the study’s findings and aim to address the identified issues or capitalize on the opportunities uncovered.
4. Rationale: For each recommendation, briefly explain the rationale behind it. Why is this recommendation important? How does it address the identified problem or opportunity? Providing a clear rationale helps to justify the recommendations and increases their credibility.
5. Implementation Strategies: Outline strategies or approaches for implementing each recommendation. Consider factors such as feasibility, resources required, potential barriers, and stakeholders involved. This section helps to bridge the gap between research findings and real-world action.
6. Potential Impacts: Discuss the likely impacts or outcomes of implementing the recommendations. How might they address the research problem, advance knowledge, or improve practice? Consider both short-term and long-term effects.
7. Limitations and Caveats: Acknowledge any limitations or caveats associated with the recommendations. No recommendation is perfect, and it’s essential to be transparent about potential challenges or uncertainties.
8. Conclusion: Summarize the key recommendations and their importance in addressing the research problem or achieving the study objectives. Emphasize the need for action and the potential benefits of implementing the recommendations.

Components of a research conclusion

1. Restatement of the Research Problem or Objective

Begin the conclusion by revisiting the main research problem or objective. This helps to refocus the reader’s attention on the purpose of the study. It’s crucial to rephrase it using different wording from the introduction.

Example:
This research examined the influence of digital transformation on organizational culture, particularly within medium-sized enterprises. The goal was to understand how technological advancements impact organizations’ internal values, behaviors, and communication patterns.

2. Summary of Key Findings

Next, briefly summarize the most important findings of your research. This section should focus on the core results without delving into detailed explanations or analysis, as those have been covered earlier in the paper.

Example:
The findings indicate that digital transformation can significantly alter organizational culture by encouraging more agile, transparent, and collaborative work environments. However, it can also lead to challenges such as employee resistance, communication gaps, and a temporary decline in morale during transitional phases.

3. Implications of the Study

This component discusses the broader meaning and relevance of the findings. It connects your results to real-world applications, theoretical frameworks, or policy implications. This is where you explain why your findings matter.

Example:
The results underscore the importance of aligning digital initiatives with organizational values and ensuring cultural readiness is part of any transformation strategy. Companies prioritizing cultural alignment experience smoother transitions and better outcomes during digital change.

4. Limitations of the Study

Acknowledging the limitations of your research demonstrates academic honesty and helps readers understand the context in which your findings are applicable. This can include limitations in methodology, scope, or data.

Example:
One limitation of this study is its focus on a relatively small sample of technology-based firms, which may not reflect the experiences of organizations in other sectors. Additionally, the study primarily used qualitative data, which, while rich in depth, may limit the ability to generalize findings broadly.

5. Recommendations for Future Research

This section offers guidance for researchers who wish to build upon your work. It can include suggestions for different methodologies, alternative contexts, or emerging areas of interest.

Example:
Future research should consider cross-sector studies to compare how different industries experience cultural shifts due to digital transformation. Incorporating quantitative data and employee-level insights may also be beneficial to provide a more holistic view of organizational change.

6. Final Thought or Concluding Remark

End the conclusion with a strong, clear statement that reinforces the value of your study. This final sentence should leave a lasting impression and tie the paper together.

Example:
In an era when digital innovation is reshaping the workplace, understanding the cultural implications of these changes is essential for leaders who aim to foster resilient, adaptive, and forward-thinking organizations.

Read also on  How to write an evaluation essay

Types of Research Recommendations

Research recommendations can vary depending on the nature of the study, its findings, and the intended audience. Let’s check some common types of research recommendations:

1. Policy Recommendations: These recommendations suggest changes or updates to policies or regulations based on research findings. They are often aimed at policymakers and government officials and may propose new laws, regulations, or guidelines to address identified issues or improve outcomes in a particular area.
2. Practice Recommendations: Practice recommendations target professionals in a specific field or industry. They guide improving practices or procedures based on research evidence and may include new approaches, techniques, or strategies for achieving better results.
3. Education Recommendations: Education recommendations focus on improving teaching and learning practices. Based on research findings, they may suggest changes to the curriculum, instructional methods, assessment techniques, or teacher training. These recommendations aim to enhance educational outcomes for students and educators.
4. Clinical Recommendations: Clinical recommendations are common in medical and healthcare research. They guide the diagnosis, treatment, or management of specific health conditions based on the latest scientific evidence and may influence medical guidelines, treatment protocols, or patient care practices.
5. Technology Recommendations: Technology recommendations propose adopting or developing new technologies or tools based on research findings. These recommendations may include improving existing technologies, creating new solutions, or integrating technology into various applications to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, or user experience.
6. Further Research Recommendations: Sometimes, research studies identify gaps in knowledge or areas that require further investigation. Further research recommendations suggest topics, questions, or methodologies for future studies. These recommendations help to advance knowledge and understanding in a particular field.
7. Community or Social Recommendations: In social science research, recommendations may focus on improving community well-being, social services, or addressing social inequalities. These recommendations may include suggestions for community interventions, social programs, or policy changes to promote positive social outcomes.
8. Environmental or Sustainability Recommendations: Research on environmental issues often leads to recommendations for sustainable practices, conservation efforts, or policy changes to protect natural resources and ecosystems. These recommendations aim to mitigate environmental impacts and promote long-term sustainability.

Example of Recommendation in a Research Paper

Example of a recommendation section for a research paper titled “Exploring the Impact of Digital Transformation on Organizational Culture”:

Research Recommendation: Exploring the Impact of Digital Transformation on Organizational Culture

Recommendations Section

Based on the findings of this study, several recommendations are proposed to guide future research and practical implementation:

1. Conduct Longitudinal Studies:
   Future research should adopt longitudinal approaches to better understand the long-term effects of digital transformation on organizational culture. This will help capture cultural shifts over time and their correlation with ongoing digital initiatives.

2. Include Diverse Organizational Settings:
   This study focused primarily on mid-sized technology firms. Future studies should explore organizations across various sectors, such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing, to determine if the cultural impacts of digital transformation differ across industries.

3. Examine Employee Perspectives at All Levels:
   While this research concentrated on managerial viewpoints, further investigation should include employees at all levels. This would provide a more comprehensive understanding of how digital transformation affects organizational culture.

4. Investigate the Role of Leadership:
   The findings suggest that leadership is crucial in shaping how digital transformation is received and implemented. Future studies should investigate leadership styles and their influence on cultural adaptability and employee engagement during digital change.

5. Integrate Quantitative Metrics:
   To enhance the robustness of future research, it is recommended to incorporate quantitative metrics alongside qualitative insights. This could include employee surveys, productivity data, and innovation indices to measure digital changes’ cultural impact better.

Research recommendations sample

Recommendation and conclusion

Tips for writing research recommendation

1. Ground Recommendations in Research Findings

Ensure each recommendation is directly supported by the data or conclusions of your study. Avoid making suggestions that aren’t connected to what you discovered.

Tip: Revisit your key findings and ask: What actions or further inquiries do these results suggest?

2. Be Clear, Concise, and Actionable

Write your recommendations in clear, straightforward language. They should be easy to understand and outline specific actions or next steps.

Instead of:
“More research is needed in this area.”
Say:
“Future studies should examine how remote work technologies influence team cohesion in non-tech industries.”

3. Address the Right Audience

Consider who will read or use your research. Depending on the focus of your study, customize recommendations for practitioners, policymakers, educators, or fellow researchers.

Example:
For practitioners: Organizations should establish clear protocols to guide digital transitions while preserving core cultural values.

For researchers: Further investigation should explore the role of organizational leadership in mediating digital-induced cultural change.

4. Prioritize Recommendations

If you have multiple recommendations, organize them by relevance, urgency, or importance. Use bullet points or numbering to make them easy to follow.

5. Highlight Feasibility

Make sure your recommendations are realistic and practical within the context of your study. Briefly acknowledge any resources, conditions, or limitations that affect implementation if needed.

6. Suggest Future Research Directions Thoughtfully

If your study opened up new questions or left areas unexplored, identify specific topics for further research. Avoid generic suggestions.

Better than:
“Future research should continue this work.”
Say:
“Subsequent studies could use a mixed-methods approach to explore how digital transformation impacts employee retention across various cultural contexts.”

7. Maintain a Professional and Objective Tone

Even when making recommendations, stay academic and unbiased. Avoid overly strong language like “must” or “should definitely.”

Better:
“Future studies may benefit from…”
or
“It is recommended that organizations consider…”

8. Align with the Scope and Limitations of Your Study

Make sure your recommendations respect the boundaries of your research design and sample. Don’t overextend claims or suggest broad reforms if your data doesn’t support them.

Conclusion

Writing recommendations in a research paper is not merely a formality but a crucial step in maximizing the impact of the study. Practical recommendations have the potential to inform policy decisions, guide practice, stimulate further research, and contribute to positive outcomes in various domains.

Researchers can ensure their recommendations are meaningful and actionable by systematically reviewing findings, identifying priority areas, providing specific and evidence-based suggestions, considering feasibility and stakeholders’ perspectives, and offering clear implementation strategies. As researchers continue to engage in scholarly inquiry, they must recognize the importance of translating their findings into real-world relevant recommendations and contribute to advancing knowledge and practice in their fields.

Read also on Abstract of a Research Paper