1467-6486/asset/olbannerleft.gif?v=1&s=3216d5eda4d67fc136821282126717e88877c8ae)
1467-6486/asset/olbannerright.gif?v=1&s=eb6b8c5619a294c4bd70fbc59662c8c01f7e61a0)
Point-Counterpoint
Has Management Studies Lost Its Way? Ideas for More Imaginative and Innovative Research
Article first published online: 3 AUG 2012
DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-6486.2012.01070.x
© 2012 The Authors. Journal of Management Studies © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd and Society for the Advancement of Management Studies
Additional Information
How to Cite
Alvesson, M. and Sandberg, J. (2013), Has Management Studies Lost Its Way? Ideas for More Imaginative and Innovative Research. Journal of Management Studies, 50: 128–152. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-6486.2012.01070.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 16 DEC 2012
- Article first published online: 3 AUG 2012
- Accepted manuscript online: 5 JUN 2012 07:10AM EST
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- interesting theories;
- problematization;
- research methods;
- research problems;
- research questions;
- theory development
abstract
Despite the huge increase in the number of management articles published during the three last decades, there is a serious shortage of high-impact research in management studies. We contend that a primary reason behind this paradoxical shortage is the near total dominance of incremental gap-spotting research in management. This domination is even more paradoxical as it is well known that gap-spotting rarely leads to influential theories. We identify three broad and interacting key drivers behind this double paradox: institutional conditions, professional norms, and researchers' identity constructions. We discuss how specific changes in these drivers can reduce the shortage of influential management theories. We also point to two methodologies that may encourage and facilitate more innovative and imaginative research and revisions of academic norms and identities.