The one best way? 'Scientific' research on HRM and the threat to critical scholarship

HRM scholarship is increasingly dominated by ‘scientific’ research characterised by a positivist methodology, complex statistical techniques, correlational theorising and incremental advances in knowledge. While this approach has long been prominent in HRM research, what is new is the almost total d...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Human resource management journal 2015-11, Vol.25 (4), p.399-407
Main Author: Harley, Bill
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Correlation analysis
critical scholarship
HRM scholarship
Human resource management
Management theory
pluralism
Research methodology
Statistical methods
Studies
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Summary:HRM scholarship is increasingly dominated by ‘scientific’ research characterised by a positivist methodology, complex statistical techniques, correlational theorising and incremental advances in knowledge. While this approach has long been prominent in HRM research, what is new is the almost total dominance of this kind of research, which has largely crowded out alternative approaches, particularly those that are overtly critical in orientation. A variety of institutional factors has contributed to this shift in HRM scholarship, and these place significant obstacles in front of those who seek to reclaim space for critical voices. There is, however, room for greater methodological pluralism, and researchers, academic institutions and journals have roles to play in promoting viable alternatives.
ISSN:0954-5395
1748-8583
DOI:10.1111/1748-8583.12082