Fads in Organization Theory
Mélanges en l'honneur de Jacques Rojot, 2010
18 Pages Posted: 7 Apr 2011
Date Written: July 1, 2010
Abstract
Organization theory has incorporated never-ending conceptual and methodological themes. Disappointed with their current concepts and methods, researchers have jumped into new topics or approaches in hope of getting better results. In time, however, the new themes too have disappointed. Widespread and persistent disappointment result in part from common and fundamental ideas about scientific methodology, and in part from the social system in which science takes place. This article points to two ideas that cause major problems – the prescription that researchers should create very broad generalizations and the belief that research can be mass-produced with good results.
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