Constructivism and critical realism as alternative approaches to the study of business networks: Convergences and divergences in theory and in research practice

In this paper, we examine the implications for understanding the practices of researching business networks that result from the ontological paradigm choices that researchers make. This is not an esoteric theoretical problem; without understanding these choices and their implications for research pr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Industrial marketing management 2013-04, Vol.42 (3), p.336-346
Main Authors: Peters, Linda D., Pressey, Andrew D., Vanharanta, Markus, Johnston, Wesley J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Business networks
Business to business commerce
Constructivism
Critical realism
Marketing
Ontology
Organization theory
Organizational behaviour
Realism
Research methodology
Research practice
Social networks
Social systems
Studies
United Kingdom
Western Europe
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Summary:In this paper, we examine the implications for understanding the practices of researching business networks that result from the ontological paradigm choices that researchers make. This is not an esoteric theoretical problem; without understanding these choices and their implications for research practice, much of our knowledge of many business-to-business marketing problems may suffer from superficiality and rely on overly descriptive accounts and narratives. Based on three common building blocks in understanding social systems (individuals, social practices and processes, and social structures), we examine the implications of adopting two different research traditions, namely: critical realism and constructivism. Drawing on data from an in-depth investigation of a construction project undertaken in the UK, we apply these research traditions to a managerial phenomenon, specifically the practice of novation in temporary organisational networks. In so doing we examine what we may realistically learn from each approach and ask what are the implications for the practice of research. ► The paper examines the application of alternative research traditions to business network enquiries. ► We examine three common components of social systems; individuals, social practices, and social structures. ► We focus on how our ontological understanding and basic assumptions inform and reproduce real-life research practice.
ISSN:0019-8501
1873-2062
DOI:10.1016/j.indmarman.2013.02.003