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Author(s) -
Cummings L. L.
Publication year - 1981
Publication title -
decision sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.238
H-Index - 108
eISSN - 1540-5915
pISSN - 0011-7315
DOI - 10.1111/j.1540-5915.1981.tb00088.x
Subject(s) - construct (python library) , field (mathematics) , computer science , selection (genetic algorithm) , focus (optics) , process (computing) , management science , data science , conceptual framework , sociology , artificial intelligence , economics , mathematics , social science , physics , pure mathematics , optics , programming language , operating system
This is a conceptual, prescriptive article analyzing current trends and suggesting a redirection necessary for the advancement of organizational behavior. Two divergent but possible complementary approaches—the conservative and the radical—are outlined as accomplishing such a redirection in the field. The conservative approach emphasizes four needs requiring attention: 1) improved construct validity; 2) more careful selection and measurement of dependent variables, including a change in those deemed important; 3) new applications of longitudinal and experimental research designs; and 4) an increased and more appropriate use of multivariate statistical analysis. The radical approach encompasses conceptualizing organizations as social structures, the symbolic nature of management as a process, and a focus on processes across levels of analysis. It is predicted that, regardless of whether one views the future in the field as being indicative of the conservative or a more radical approach, we will see the roles of contexts and processes in research and application as being influential.