Mingling Rigor and Relevance: The Development of Hybrid Research Systems in Two Business Schools

Abstract

We expand upon previous discussions about knowledge production modes commonly associated with the rigor versus relevance debate and the quest for the social impact of management research. Management scholars have discussed this matter for decades, but the literature lacks accounts of, and reflections upon, practical experiences. We address this gap by reporting on the findings of two inductive, interpretive case studies of the development of hybrid research systems in two business schools that are leaders in their countries. We examine the process by which such systems developed with different configurations, as well as the current challenges. Our contribution is twofold: first, we advance the literature on knowledge production modes by shifting the debate from dichotomization to hybridization; second, we present and discuss two different models that might help business schools aiming to (re)orient their research towards the production of knowledge that is rigorous and relevant to management practice.