Inductive Praxis and Management Research: Towards a Reflexive Framework

Abstract

This paper examines how induction legitimately varies according to the impact of different knowledge constituting philosophical assumptions. As a result of its prevalence in qualitative management research, the paper focuses on grounded theory and uses this as a vehicle to explore the key parameters of the philosophical diversity articulated in judgements around neutrality, description and theorization. A reflexive framework of inductive praxis is offered as a heuristic device for interrogating the choices evidently at play in the variable constitution of inductive management research. We indicate how there are multiple modes of engagement, each of which is legitimate within its own philosophical commitments. This implies the need for a more tolerant pluralistic stance in the evaluation of qualitative management research. British Journal of Management