Consent to Act As a Participant in a Research Study

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CONSENT TO ACT AS A PARTICIPANT IN A RESEARCH STUDY

EXPLORING LEADERSHIPSTYLE, ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE, AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE IN FAMILY FIRMS

The Principle Investigator is [Student Full Name], (360) 754 4877, Master’s student, and M.B.A. candidate in the Master of Business Administration program in the School of Business Administration at Saint Martin’s University. [Advisor’s Name], [Advisor’s Title, i.e.Adjunct Professor of Business] is the advisor for this study and is the Responsible Project Investigator.

Description

The purpose of this research is to examine the impact of leadership style and organizational culture on the financial performance of family firms. The goal of the research is to provide further insight into aspects of family firms that some researchers theorize may provide potential benefits to both family and nonfamily firms. Approximately 5 participants from 5 firms will take part in the study. Male and female employees over the age of 18 will be asked to spend 60 to 90 minutes each in an informal, person to person interview with the Principle Investigator as well as provide demographic information.Interviews will be recorded and transcribed. WashingtonState law provides that private conversations may not be recorded, intercepted, or divulged without permission of the individuals involved. The nature of the issues to be discussed with participants will include company leadership, culture, and performance.

Risks and Benefits

Even though every effort will be made to maintain the confidentiality of participants, there is a minimal risk that participants could be identified.

Cost and Payments

There are no costs to the participants nor will participants receive any payments or other inducements to take part in this study.

Confidentiality

Pseudonyms will be used for all participants and for the companies. The electronic recordings and interview transcripts will be securely stored with access limited to the Principle Investigator. Demographic information will be securely stored separately from the interviewswith access limited to the Principle Investigator.However, the research records are subject to subpoena by court order. The identity of participants will not be revealed in any description or publication of this research.

Right to Refuse or to End Participation

Participants are free to refuse to take part in this study or to end their participation at any time without explanation or fear of repercussions.

Voluntary Consent of Participant

I certify that I have read the preceding or it has been read to me and that I understand its contents. Any questions I have pertaining to the research have been and will be answered by [Name of Principal Investigator]. Any questions I have concerning my rights as a research participant will be answered by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (360-438-4310). A copy of this consent form will be given to me. My signature below means that I have freely agreed to participate in this study. I give permission to record and divulge conversations in which I participate during the interview and to use demographic data collected during this research.

Signature of ParticipantDate

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Investigator’s Certification

I certify that I have explained to the above individual the nature and purpose, the potential benefits, and possible risks associated with participating in this study, have answered any questions that have been raised, and have witnessed the above signature.

Signature of InvestigatorDate

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