The Problem of Method and the Practice of Management Research

Abstract

This chapter highlights the personal side of research methods. We begin with an overview of Hans-Georg Gadamer's insights into the general problem of method in the social sciences and hermeneutics. This is followed by an overview of Michael Polanyi's explanation of the practice of scientific investigation. The second half of the chapter considers implications of the personal side of methods for how we conduct management research. This section discusses critical realism as a philosophy of science consistent with the assumptions of our field, the reasons for methodological pluralism and possible responses, and management research as a social practice.

Citation

Miller, K.D. (2005), "The Problem of Method and the Practice of Management Research", Ketchen, D.J. and Bergh, D.D. (Ed.) Research Methodology in Strategy and Management (Research Methodology in Strategy and Management, Vol. 2), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 143-177. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1479-8387(05)02007-2