The Uniqueness Value and its Consequences for Organization Studies

Abstract

This article argues that the field of organization studies is characterized by a "uniqueness value." This value prescribes that uniqueness is desirable, and therefore organizational scholars should strive to make unique contributions to their discipline. The authors document the existence of this value through several sources, including articles that analyze the discipline of organization studies, published comments by editors of major journals in the field, materials used in reviewing journal and conference papers, and special issues of journals. They then discuss a number of consequences of the uniqueness value, arguing that some of these consequences are functional for the field, whereas others are dysfunctional. Attention is also given to feedback effects that tend to make the uniqueness value self-reinforcing. Implications are drawn and suggestions are made for future theory development and knowledge building in organization studies.