The Benefits of Persisting With Paradigms in Organizational Research

Abstract

According to Thomas Kuhn, most scientists conduct their research within the existing paradigm, rarely overthrowing it in a paradigm revolution. Similarly, we argue the merits of persisting with existing paradigms for organizational studies, through paradigm continuity, paradigm elaboration, and paradigm extension. In paradigm continuity, the existing paradigm is prosecuted fruitfully. We discuss two of the possible ways: refinement of the protective belt and synthesis of existing models. In paradigm elaboration, the existing paradigm becomes more complex and may give rise to a new variant, which can substantially change it. To illustrate the fruitfulness of the concepts of paradigm continuity and paradigm elaboration, we use new research findings from an old organizational theory research paradigm: structural contingency theory. In paradigm extension, ideas from the core of a paradigm—in this case, the research methodology paradigm—are projected out to form the core of a new theory, here the recently created statistico-organizational theory. Finally, we call for a dialogue between proponents of paradigm persistence and those of paradigm revolution.