Reflections on the micro–macro divide: Ideas from the trenches and moving forward. (August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Eckardt, Rory; Crocker, Alia; Ahn, Yoojung; Floyd, Steven W; Boyd, Brian K; Hodgkinson, Gerard P; Kozlowski, Steve WJ; Moliterno, Thomas P; Starbuck, William H
• Is Part Of: Strategic organization. Volume 17:Number 3(2019)
• Page Start: 385
• Page End: 402
• Publication Date: 2019-08
• Subjects: emergence -- microfoundations -- micro–macro -- multilevel -- researcher identities; Management -- Periodicals; Organization -- Periodicals; Business planning -- Periodicals; Strategic planning -- Periodicals; Gestion stratégique; Planification stratégique; Théorie des organisations; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 658.4012
• DOI: 10.1177/1476127018770048
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1476-1270

Abstract

This essay provides insights into the reasons why efforts to integrate micro and macro perspectives continue to face challenges. We incorporate the reflections of several experienced researchers on the persistence of the micro–macro divide, organize those reflections into broad themes, and discuss associated insights, implications, and challenges. We note that while immense challenges remain, efforts should continue as greater integration can improve the position of our field in the broader social sciences and lead to substantial contributions. Several suggestions are provided to help this research agenda move forward. Specifically, we advocate developing new process-oriented theories and methods, as well as adopting broader and more inclusive researcher identities, encouraging "intellectual generosity, " and acknowledging that for some research, integration is neither necessary nor desirable.