Critical realism and project management: Revisiting the noumenal and phenomenal

Abstract

This paper is a theoretical exploration of the critical realist paradigm of Roy Bhasker in the light of project management. We present a case that the critical realist paradigm is a way forward and a mechanism to get closer to the reality in which projects are conceived and implemented. The “noumenal” world of Kant, which has previously been considered unattainable and therefore ignored from further debate, is repositioned as one that we can come close to understanding via a closer understanding of the “phenomenal” world if a critical realist stance is adopted. The paper then moves to explore the changing stance of project management research and heeding calls of the project management research community for explorations in the complexity, social process, value creation, broader conceptualization of projects, reflective practice and presents a case for how the critical realist philosophy and case study methodology can be helpful in achieving these goals. Key words: Critical realism, project management, research methodology.