Physics Envy', Cognitive Legitimacy or Practical Relevance: Dilemmas in the Evolution of Management Research in the UK

Author

Howard Thomas, Singapore Management UniversityFollow
A. D. WILSON

Publication Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

2011

Abstract

We reflect on the key debates and controversies that face business schools and management research. This paper frames the core debates in terms of organizational legitimacy as a lens through which to analyse the rapid rise and development of business schools in the UK. The production of management knowledge straddles the precarious divide between academic rigour and practical relevance. We argue that the conflicting sources of legitimacy could be undermining the international research competitiveness of UK schools and that a far-reaching review of management education and research is necessary.

Discipline

Business Administration, Management, and Operations

Research Areas

Strategy and Organisation

Publication

British Journal of Management

Volume

22

Issue

3

First Page

443

Last Page

456

ISSN

1045-3172

Identifier

10.1111/j.1467-8551.2011.00766.x

Publisher

Wiley

Citation

Thomas, Howard and WILSON, A. D.. Physics Envy', Cognitive Legitimacy or Practical Relevance: Dilemmas in the Evolution of Management Research in the UK. (2011). British Journal of Management. 22, (3), 443-456.
Available at: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/lkcsb_research/3857