An Essay on the Realism of Management Theory: The Actuality of Management Phenomena and the Reality of Management Theory

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to explore the ‘realism’ that exists between the phenomenon of management and the ‘management theory’ or ‘conceptual schemes’ that try to capture it from a certain perspective. Here, we refer to “reality within phenomena” as “actuality,” and the kind of virtual reality that researchers perceive through “theories” and “conceptual frameworks” as “reality.” To explore the relationship between actuality and reality is main theme. When considering this theme, we follow two steps. At the first step, consider the relationship between the observer (for example, a researcher) and the business phenomenon that is its object. At the second step, after taking up and characterizing two representative positions in the history of American management theory, namely, the “clinical method” and the “scientific method,” shows these two positions are incorporated into the practice of management. We also point out that these two positions exist simultaneously. By these discussions, we would like to consider the relationship between “realism” and “methodology” in management study.