Four A pproaches to Science and Their Implications for Organizational Theory and Research

Abstract

The philosophy of science contains four basic approaches to science, each of which has its equivalent in contemporary theories about and methods of organizational research. This article considers how organizational theorists can gain from the insights ofphilosophers of science without, however, having to accept those philosophers'rather negative conclusions about the scientific status and potential of organizational research. To that end, the article suggests new ways oftheorizing about organizational research which, whilefollowing the example of the philosophy of science, are nonetheless better adapted to the special requirements of organizational research. Finally, the article seeks to shift organizational theorists'focus away from the question, "Is organizational research scientific?" to such questions as "Which theory about organizational research is best able to explain which aspect of the field?"and "Which method of organizational research is best able to solve what kind of problem?"