What defines desk research?

Desk research refers to the process of gathering existing information that has already been collected, published, and made available by others. This typically involves utilizing secondary sources such as books, reports, academic journals, newspapers, and online databases to inform decision-making and analysis.

Selecting information collected from secondary sources as the defining characteristic of desk research captures the essence of this method. It highlights the reliance on pre-existing data rather than generating new information through direct engagement or observation.

While primary sources entail firsthand data collection, desk research's focus on secondary sources distinguishes it from methods that require direct observation or qualitative surveys, which primarily gather new, unprocessed insights. Thus, understanding desk research as a study of existing data is crucial for effective data analysis and interpretation in various fields, including performance management.