Fads in Organization Theory

Mélanges en l'honneur de Jacques Rojot, 2010

18 Pages Posted: 7 Apr 2011

See all articles by William H. Starbuck

William H. Starbuck

University of Oregon - Charles H. Lundquist School of Business; New York University (NYU) - Department of Management and Organizational Behavior

Joan Dunbar

affiliation not provided to SSRN

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.

Suggested Citation

Starbuck, William H. and Dunbar, Joan, Fads in Organization Theory (July 1, 2010). Mélanges en l'honneur de Jacques Rojot, 2010, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1800408

William H. Starbuck (Contact Author)

University of Oregon - Charles H. Lundquist School of Business ( email )

1208 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-1208
United States

New York University (NYU) - Department of Management and Organizational Behavior ( email )

44 West 4th Street
New York, NY 10012
United States

Joan Dunbar

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

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