SMU REB #24-107
Jonathan F. Stevens and Dr. Ramesh Venkat
Department of Business
Saint Mary’s University, 923 Robie Street, Halifax, NS, B3H 3C3
jonathan.stevens1@smu.ca, ramesh.venkat@smu.ca
Thank you for your interest in participating in our study focused on developing a Gender Inclusion Climate Scale in B2B sales contexts. Before you participate, you need to understand the study details and what your involvement will entail. Please read the following information carefully.
To participate in this study, you must be at least 18 years old and currently employed in a business-to-business (B2B) sales role or have worked in such a role within the last 12 months. You should be able to read and understand English, as the survey is conducted in English. Participation is entirely voluntary, and by providing informed consent, you confirm that you understand the nature and purpose of the study and agree to participate willingly.
This study aims to develop a scale that measures the inclusion climate within B2B sales environments. We seek to understand the factors contributing to an inclusive workplace and how these impact sales professionals. Your insights will be gathered through an online survey.
If you agree to participate, you will be asked to complete an electronic survey using the survey tool Qualtrics, which is expected to take between 10-15 minutes to complete.
The information gathered will be used to develop and validate a scale measuring the gender inclusion climate in B2B sales environments. Results may be published in academic journals, presented at conferences, or included in the researcher’s dissertation. Only aggregated data will be reported; individual responses will remain confidential and anonymous.
You have the right to withdraw from the study without any consequences up until Jan 31, 2024. All associated data will be immediately and permanently deleted if you decide to withdraw. Simply provide the researcher with the Qualtrics ID provided to you after the survey was completed and your data will be removed.
The risks associated with this study are minimal. However, discussing experiences of inclusion or exclusion may cause emotional discomfort. To minimize these risks, participants will be allowed to stop and resume the survey at any point and will be allowed to withdraw from the research at any point during the survey up until Jan 31, 2024.
While participating may not benefit you directly from participating, your insights will significantly contribute to our understanding of inclusion in B2B sales environments. This research could potentially inform policies and practices that promote inclusivity in workplaces similar to yours.
The Saint Mary’s University Research Ethics Board has reviewed this research with the guidance of TCPS 2 based on three core principles: Respect for Persons, Concern for Welfare and Justice. If you have any questions or concerns at any time about ethical matters or would like to discuss your rights as a research participant, please contact ethics@smu.ca or 902-420-5728.
I understand what this study is about, appreciate the risks and benefits, and that by consenting I agree to take part in this research study and do not waive any rights to legal recourse in the event of research-related harm.
I understand that my participation is voluntary and that I can end my participation at any time without penalty.
I have had adequate time to think about the research study and have had the opportunity to ask questions.
Best regards,
Jonathan Stevens, MBA, DBA (c)
Doctoral Student
Saint Mary’s University