The Production of Knowledge : The Challenge of Social Science Research

## Abstract This book reflects on a number of challenges associated with management and social science research — the search for a ‘behavioral science’, the limits of rationality, the unreliability of many research findings, the social shaping of research agendas, cultures, and judgements. The book is chronologically structured and includes discussions of research projects and various methodological debates. This is a feisty argument based on all aspects of research — carrying out research programmes, evaluating research, tirelessly questioning the assumptions and claims of social science research, and never avoiding the awkward theoretical or practical challenges that face organizational researchers. Bill Starbuck has been one of the leading management researchers over several decades. In this book he reflects on a number of challenges associated with management and social science research - the search for a'behavioral science', the limits of rationality, the unreliability of many research findings, the social shaping of research agendas, cultures and judgements. It is an engaging, chronologically structured account in which he discusses some of his own research projects and various methodological debates. This is a feisty argument from someone who has been fully engaged with all aspects of research - carrying out research programmes, evaluating research, tirelessly questioning the assumptions and claims of social science research, and never avoiding the awkward theoretical or practical challenges that face organizational researchers. Well written, provocative and unusual, this quasi autobiographical account will inform and entertain, and be a valuable guide to current and future research students. Bill Starbuck has been one of the leading management researchers over several decades. In this book he reflects on a number of challenges associated with management and social science research - the search for a 'behavioral science', the limits of rationality, the unreliability of many research findings, the social shaping of research agendas, cultures and judgements. It is an engaging, autobiographical account in which he discusses some of his own research and various methodological debates. - ;Bill Starbuck has been one of the leading management researchers over several decades. In this book Bill Starbuck has been one of the leading management researchers in the United States over several decades. In this book he reflects on a number of challenges associated with management and social science research--the search for a "behavioral science", the limits of rationality, the lack of reliability in many research findings, the social shaping of research agendas, cultures and judgements. It is an engaging, autobiographical account in which he discusses some of his own research and various methodological debates. Contents......Page 6 List of Figures......Page 7 List of Tables......Page 8 1. Creating Better Social Science......Page 10 2. A Journey into Disillusionment—Discovering Problems......Page 14 3. Pretences of Research......Page 83 4. A Journey into Hope—Discovering Partial Solutions......Page 104 5. The Production of Knowledge......Page 151 References......Page 180 C......Page 198 I......Page 199 O......Page 200 R......Page 201 U......Page 202 W......Page 203 Bill Starbuck reflects on the challenges associated with social science research - the limits of rationality, the lack of reliability in many research findings and the social shaping of research agendas, cultures and judgements. He discusses some of his own research projects and various methodological debates