The Role of Management in Science

Abstract

The conventional view of the scientist portrays him as an individual who is motivated by intellectual curiosity which can only be satisfied by an objective, dispassionate examination of facts. Scientists, according to this view, work by means of a series of steps called the scientific method: stating a problem about nature, forming a hypothesis to explain it, observing and experimenting to collect data, analyzing and interpreting the data, and drawing conclusions. Using this procedure the scientist applies his intelligence, integrity, curiosity, observation, thinking, and creativity in the pursuits of Truth. In this conception the overriding and governing value of scientific systems is the pursuit of truth. All other concerns are secondary. Most observers, of course, point out that this view is an ideal which is only approximated in reality. However, it can be argued that this view is flawed in a more fundamental way. The crux of the counter-argument is that it is possible to identify processes within the institution of science itself which are necessary to science but which systematically pursue values other than the pursuit of truth. One such process is the managerial or decision making process in science. To understand this critical role of management in science we must first view science as a system of production.