Introduction
This paper intends to discuss the role of epistemology in research while defining knowledge as fact or fiction in society which constantly changes. The writer intends to utilize various methods of acquiring knowledge in both the natural tangible and intangible world composition. The end result may offer the reader a better understanding of the influences and formulation of a management research problem of knowledge itself.
Epistemology and Knowledge
What is knowledge? Easterby-Smith et al. (2012, p. 21) note that epistemology is inquiring via various methods regarding the composition of nature in both physical and social worlds. Knowledge itself can be described on what insight is gained from the situation regardless if the
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How we know what we know
How do we know what we know? The upbringing of an individual, experiences, communication, research, observation, feedback and awareness are all particulars of how knowledge is gained and transferred. It is of note that every individual is unique therefore fact and fiction will be perceived in various manners. Theories and philosophies often are taken into consideration when management research formulation or problems occur. Van Gich (2002) compares the epistemology disciplines in science as modern physics versus social sciences. Both of these methods have evolved with our ever changing society. Van Gich (2002, p. 201) mentions that Scientists believe knowledge should be considered ‘objectively’ without being persuaded by any extenuating circumstances such as people or place whereas philosophers tend to argue that knowledge should be subjective to perception and thought analysis. Easterby-Smith et al. (2012) note there has been a long standing tension in the conduction of management research. Should management research lead to an epistemological stance? The writer believes that every situation is unique applying objective concepts in certain circumstances and subjective concepts in others. Both concepts may be utilized in certain cases.
Conclusion
It is quite possible to gain knowledge from both tangible and intangible characteristics of our every changing society today. The variables depend on the intended outcome. Epistemology in management
Robbins, S. P., & Coulter, M. (2012). Management (11th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice
According to the assigned article, "Health Disparity and Structural Violence: How Fear Undermines Health Among Immigrants at Risk for Diabetes," narratives tell the story of the interconnectedness between fear and health. Thematically, the issue of fear is a dominant feature that affects how an individual approaches day-to-day living and health. Explain the relationship between fear and health identified by the researchers in the article. Do you agree that structural violence perpetuates health disparity?
Ivancevich, J. M., & Duening, T. M. (2006). Management: skills, application, practice, and development. Cincinnati, OH: Atomic Dog Publishing.
The author teaches classes of management and leadership at the Australian National University, and he is also a practicing management consultant with projects encompassing four continents.
Epistemology studies knowledge, it’s boundaries/limits, it’s “spheres” and the tangibility of how much we understand and are aware of our understanding.
Bergman, R. Coulter, M. Robbins, S., & Stagg, I. (2012). Management 6 (pp. 86-91). New South Wales: Pearson.
“Management is active, not theoretical. It is about changing behaviour and making things happen. It is about developing people, working with them, effort to achieve objective and goals.”(L.Mullins, 2010. P, 425)
There are plenty of ways and practices available to managers, practitioners and educators to carry out their businesses for the persuasion of required goals, this vast array of choice and awareness make them ambitious to decide which one is workable and which one is not and this make them always keep on trying one and other technique, method or/and process and at this point according to Pfeffer and Sutton(2006) evidence rescue them to decide which one is the right one. This essay, focusing on this respect, will be a critical reading and analysis of strengths and weaknesses to Rousseau’s (2006) article on ‘Is there such a thing as “Evidence –Based Management”. This essay will first introduce how if evidence based management helps managers.
Eleanor Roosevelt once stated that “One’s philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes…and the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility”. Roosevelt’s statement accurately reflects how others view the personal management philosophies adopted by leaders and management personnel. What is remembered is not what individuals say, but what they do. Ideas and philosophical outlooks on life and management can have significant impacts on the lives of others. Each decision a manager makes effects not only those employees in their area of responsibility, but also the network of suppliers and vendors that interact with their organization. Due to the potentially large impact management personnel can have not only on their own organization, but also interconnected companies, it is key that all management personnel and those in leadership positions, take the time to reflect and develop a set of management philosophies that inform their outlook on the management process and their decision making process.
Successful management requires an understanding of the fundamental concepts of effective management techniques and principles. In order to gain such insight, and manage effectively and efficiently, managers must develop an awareness of past management principles, models and theories. From the turn of the 20th Century, the
The nature of Gorta's activities would point to a heavy reliance on the practice based perspective of knowledge. Gorta's 'provision of agricultural training and life skills development'(Gorta, n.d.) through partnership initiatives in knowledge transfer on the field in Sub-saharan Africa(Gorta employee, 2014) appears to reflect the view that knowledge is embedded in practice. Tacit knowledge, in this instance, would seem to be a subjective entity that cannot be separated from explicit knowledge, thereby requiring both physical and cognitive elements in order to be transferred and developed. As such, it highlights the epistemology of practice, which purports that knowledge is formed 'through processes of socialization, observation, and practice'(Hislop, 2005, p.29).
managers are forced to contend with the sources and origin of knowledge that workers possess as a means of enhancing companies’ capacities to improve the productivity of the knowledge worker as was done by Taylor during the heyday of manual work. Knowledge work has challenged the society to come to terms with the importance of epistemology in everyday life and to find ways of optimizing it for development. Knowledge management is proposed by Wong and Aspinwall (2004) as a strategy for increasing the productivity of the knowledge worker, but despite this there are still challenges as it relates to those who possess tacit knowledge—the major concern for companies is the loss of productivity advances when the tacit knowledge worker leaves. It has therefore become increasingly important to find out how individuals gain knowledge in the first place, and then attempt to replicate those actions that are engaged in on a daily basis, which optimizes productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness. One cannot solve the epistemological problems of the contemporary workplace without reflecting on earlier conceptions about epistemology as articulated by empiricists, rationalists, pragmatists, and relativists. Empiricism argued that knowledge is derived from human sensual experiences and perceptions (Cooper, 1999, p.
Managing and knowledge are two abilities interlinked, not only are they critical to each one, but it is also critical in my every-day life. In my occupancy of marketing the greatest challenging profession that I was challenged with as a
The twentieth century has brought in a number of management theories which have helped shaped our view of management in the present business environment. These emerging theories have enabled managers to appreciate new patterns of thinking, new ways of organising and new ways of managing organisations and people. Over the years these different theories have enabled the study
The definition of ‘management’ is controversial and subject to much debate. There have been many contradictory views on what the term ‘management’ means and accordingly how one should correctly manage an organisation. These theories have been put forward by several highly regarded management scholars over time. By taking into account past knowledge and contemporary views on management, we are able to ‘’explore how thinking has changed through time’’. (Brooks, 2006). Moreover, businesses have, and can continue to be able to adapt these theories and put them into practice. Successfully applying correct management practices is especially vital in a global business environment which is becoming very competitive. ‘’Most management theories, even those that do not resonate comfortably with the prevailing mood, have attractive and valid elements to them.’’ (Robinson, 2005). For example, some of these theories can be seen flourishing in fast food chains like McDonalds.