The relevance of management research debate: a historical view, 1876–2018. Issue 3 (25th February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wood, Thomaz; Souza, Renato; Caldas, Miguel P.
• Is Part Of: Journal of management history. Volume 28:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 409
• Page End: 427
• Publication Date: 2022-02-25
• Subjects: Knowledge production -- Citation network analysis -- Relevance of management research -- Gap theory-practice -- Management research history -- Social impact of research; Management -- History -- Periodicals; Public administration -- History -- Periodicals; 658.009
• DOI: 10.1108/JMH-10-2021-0056
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-1348

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: This paper aims to map how the debate concerning the relevance of management research historically evolved to (a) determine if B-schools and management researchers have been uninterested bystanders, as critics posit, or if they have had a relevant role, and (b) discover if a pathway for management research becoming socially relevant has been established by such debate. Design/methodology/approach: This study performed a citation network analysis of the scientific literature concerning the relevance of management research. The network had a total of 1, 186 research papers published between 1876 and 2018. Findings: The results show that from a minimal to peripheral role at the beginning and middle stages, management researchers have rather taken over this debate since the 1990s; the key components of the citation network reveal a strong convergence on what needs to be done, but no convergence on how to do it; and the debate has failed to generate actual change. Originality/value: This study maps the debate concerning the relevance of management research since its historical inception using a method underused in management history research. It reveals the main path of the debate and the journals that echoed such debate.