Organizational studies: (not‐) smothering each other as a behavioural strategy

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that relationships between academics and professionals can gain in organizational studies by prioritizing practical wisdom, which also benefits teaching.

Design/methodology/approach

To explore practical corollaries of Flyvbjerg's claim that social scientists are better equipped than natural scientists to produce phronesis or practical wisdom.

Findings

Practical wisdom emerges when social scientists interact with professionals. In (relational) practice, Organizational Science scientists and practitioners develop local knowledge that cannot be taught a priori but which develops bottom up and emerges from practice. Scientists and practitioners converse, exchange interpretations and perspectives, in specific contexts. Interaction and communication with OS practitioners seems for OS professionals to be a necessary human condition to develop phronesis.

Practical implications

Explores implications of Flyvberg's method to critically study discourse among OS scientists and between them and OS practitioners. Examine how discourse changes on the basis of an example of phronesis.

Originality/value

To provide a practical contribution to the theory/practice debate.

Citation

Maas, A.J.J.A. (2006), "Organizational studies: (not‐) smothering each other as a behavioural strategy", Critical Perspectives on International Business, Vol. 2 No. 3, pp. 208-219. https://doi.org/10.1108/17422040610682782