After paradim: Why mixing-methodology theorising fails and how to make it work again

Zhu, Z.

Abstract

Combining multiple methodologies works in practice, but not yet in theory. One of the reasons is that current theorising is dominated by a paradigm mentality, preoccupied with wholesale philosophical legitimation. 'Paradigm' and the associated 'incommensurability' were once revolutionary heuristic tools; now they are mistaken for the basis of an essentialist foundation. The result is a stifling of intellectual innovation and a diminishing of practical relevance. For OR research to make a positive difference again, it is time to move beyond paradigm-based theorising. After paradigm, there are many opportunities. This paper explores a pragmatist alternative that is action-oriented, multiplicity-embracing, ethically concerned and politically sensitive. Incorporating ontological flexibility, it allows OR workers to enact multiple realities, craft ontology-in-use, weave available methods with situated particulars, justify methodologies based on practical consequences, so as to get jobs done and enhance competences. Promoting ontological flexibility and methodology-in-use is a useful starting point for after-paradigm theorising that supports innovative mixing-methodology practice. © 2011 Operational Research Society Ltd. All rights reserved.

Citation

Zhu, Z. (2011). After paradim: Why mixing-methodology theorising fails and how to make it work again. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 62(4), 784-798. https://doi.org/10.1057/jors.2010.31

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 1, 2010
• Online Publication Date: Dec 21, 2017
• Publication Date: Apr 1, 2011
• Deposit Date: Nov 13, 2014
• Journal: Journal Of The Operational Research Society
• Print ISSN: 0160-5682
• Electronic ISSN: 1476-9360
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 62
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 784-798
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/jors.2010.31
• Keywords: Methodology; Paradigm; Ontological flexibility; Pragmatism
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/469122
• Publisher URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1057/jors.2010.31
• Contract Date: Nov 13, 2014