Meta-Theories in Research: Positivism, Postmodernism, and Critical Realism
72 Pages Posted: 24 Apr 2010 Last revised: 14 Dec 2010
Date Written: February 1, 2010
Abstract
No scholar or researcher is able to provide robust evidences that counter the scant reflection on meta-theory - mostly ontology and epistemology - underlying management studies in general, and industrial marketing and purchasing research in particular. This paper is a contribution to the indispensable discussion of meta-theoretical alternatives in research and, most importantly, the strengths and shortcomings thereof, and respective implications on research questions, objectives, and findings.
Keywords: meta-theory, research, positivism, postmodernism, critical realism, ontology, epistemology, methodology, aetiology
JEL Classification: B41, B49
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation