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Alternative research strategies in the knowledge movement: From macro bias to micro‐foundations and multi‐level explanation
Author(s) -
Foss Nicolai
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
european management review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.784
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 1740-4762
pISSN - 1740-4754
DOI - 10.1057/emr.2009.2
Subject(s) - movement (music) , macro , micro level , macro level , knowledge management , psychology , sociology , computer science , economics , microeconomics , economic system , programming language , aesthetics , philosophy , economic impact analysis
The emergence over the last two decades or so of ‘knowledge’ as an important part of the explanatory structure of management research is an intellectual breakthrough that is comparable in terms of its transforming impact to the behavioral revolution of the 1960s. A veritable ‘knowledge movement’ has emerged that spans several fields in management. I take stock on alternative research strategies with that movement, distinguishing between ‘capabilities first,’ ‘networks first’ and ‘individuals first’ strategies. Reasons are given why more research attention needs to be allocated to the latter strategy if the knowledge movement is to continue making progress. However, the aim should ultimately be to reach towards multi‐level research that combines aggregate constructs with top‐down processes and bottom‐up processes.