Systematicity in Organizational Research Literature Reviews: A Framework and Assessment. (April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Simsek, Zeki; Fox, Brian; Heavey, Ciaran
• Is Part Of: Organizational research methods. Volume 26:Number 2(2023)
• Page Start: 292
• Page End: 321
• Publication Date: 2023-04
• Subjects: literature reviews -- systematic reviews -- systematic literature reviews -- systematicity; Organization -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; Organizational sociology -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; Management -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; 302.350721
• DOI: 10.1177/10944281211008652
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1094-4281

Abstract

In this study, we first develop a framework that presents systematicity as an encompassing orientation toward the application of explicit methods in the practice of literature reviews, informed by the principles of transparency, coverage, saturation, connectedness, universalism, and coherence. We then supplement that conceptual development with empirical insights into the reported practices of systematicity in a sample of 165 published reviews across three journals in organizational research. We finally trace implications for the future conduct of literature reviews, including the potential perils of systematicity without mindfulness.