This article’s main focus is on the development and use of search filters
to perform an examination of a variety of bibliographic and other databases for
relevant material for inclusion in a systematic literature review. The additional
challenges faced by the business or social researcher are compared with fields where
Systematic searching and review is more highly developed.
The attributes of Sensitivity and Precision are discussed in relation to
the development of a search filter. The interplay and compromise
between these two aspects of filter performance during its development from a
rudimentary form to a useful and flexible tool are detailed.
While specific databases are listed in relation to the application of the author’s
filter to them, the major content and contribution of the article is contained in the
method and concepts applied in developing a useful tool or tools.
With rapid ongoing development of, and variety in, the structure of databases,
in particular researchers in the business or wider social field need to develop flexible
tools and a range of contingencies in applying them. The adaptation of techniques developed
in other fields of research in particular the medical literature is detailed.
The comparative lack of standardised terminology use and variety of indexing structures in addition
to the common requirement to search multiple databases is highlighted.
The specific example of the researcher’s topic of interest, Barriers to
entry and constraints to performance for women in organisational leadership roles,
and the filter developed to perform a Meta-analysis study is used to illuminate the
topic. However, the concepts covered can be applied to not only systematic but also
narrative reviews or to the benefit of any researcher needing to efficiently and accurately
identify the depth and breadth of knowledge in their chosen area.
