Science and practice in research process

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the article is to compare the results of research on the use of research methods and techniques in solving management problems and in verifying which of the two acceptable approaches in the research process dominates among practitioners and theoreticians of management sciences. Design/methodology/approach: The survey was conducted by means of a questionnaire. The research was addressed to management science theoreticians and management practitioners being the target group covering: 272 foreign universities; 21,024 foreign researchers; 93 domestic universities; 2,307 domestic researchers; 52 foreign companies, 183 domestic companies. As a result of the research effort, 401 representatives of management science theoreticians and 118 practitioners were examined. Findings: The carried-out research has made it possible to identify methods, procedures, techniques and approaches that are most relevant to research processesin management sciences. Furthermore, both scientists and practitioners of management sciences use the same research methods. Research limitations/implications: It should be stated that management science and the methods used in it should support business practice and, to some extent, provide guidance to managers and directors. Management should be treated as a normative science, the aim of which is to formulate the principles of effective and efficient functioning of enterprises. Practical implications: The conclusions resulting from the carried-out research explicitly indicate that both scientists and practitioners of management sciences use the same research methods, i.e.: analysis of documentation, questionnaire, observation and interview. Research results obtained during the research process in the field of management sciences should be applied in practice. Social implications: Owing to the involvement of scientists and practitioners in research, it can be concluded that, while defining a research problem, it is difficult to choose a single method which allows for a full and thorough diagnosis of the problem under investigation. It is therefore necessary, in the research process, to use a variety of methods which will provide a comprehensive response to the posed problem. Originality/value: The research carried out has made it possible to identify methods, procedures, techniques and approaches that are most relevant to the research processes in management sciences. They were carried out in two stages. The commitment of both theoreticians and practitioners to the research process resulted in a broader interpretation of management sciences and allowed the author to diagnose the studied issues more fully and thoroughly.