Research on asian cultures and management: Some epistemological issues

1572-9958

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Economics

Abstract This paper highlights the major issues raised in the conference “Culture and Management Styles in Southeast Asian countries” and discusses the espistomological and methodological problems of doing comparative management research in general as well as in the region. The paper identifies the themes which emerged from the conference discussions as (1) the fundamental rationale for research and the apparent weakness in making it explicit, (2) the questions of epistomology as regards causation, and the (3) more ‘mundane’ issues faced in conforming to standard research paradigms. These issues are discussed under the following headings: “What is to be included,” “subjects' espoused theory or theory in use,” “idiographic versus nomothetic approaches,” “more universal variables,” “problems of defining culture.” The implications and significance of different approaches and disciplines concerning these issues are considered, and guidelines for future research in the area are suggested.

Electronic Resource