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Understanding Scientific Freedom and Scientific Responsibility in Business and Management Research

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  • Anne S. Tsui
  • Peter McKiernan

Abstract

To illuminate the nature of contemporary business and management research and to reinforce the principles of responsible research proposed by the social movement Responsible Research in Business and Management (RRBM), this article explores two critical elements of the scientific process: scientific freedom and scientific responsibility. We observe that in recent times, context and practice have weakened both of them. Path‐dependent processes in a closed research ecosystem have restricted scientific freedom. A ‘publish or perish’ culture has clouded scientific responsibility. We examine the definition of scientific freedom and assess how much freedom scientists can expect in current social conditions. We apply Schulz’s (1972) responsibility categories of (a) Who is responsible? (b) For what are they responsible? and (c) To whom are they responsible? to develop an expanded definition of scientific responsibility. Aligning high and low levels of freedom and responsibility, we identify four types of research, one of which fits RRBM’s definition of responsible research. We suggest a set of light and heavy actions in a humble attempt to shift the research ecosystem further towards responsible research, focusing on benefits to society. We conclude with a set of scientific norms to guide researchers who aspire to make their research more responsible and impactful.

Suggested Citation

  • Anne S. Tsui & Peter McKiernan, 2022. "Understanding Scientific Freedom and Scientific Responsibility in Business and Management Research," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 59(6), pages 1604-1627, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:jomstd:v:59:y:2022:i:6:p:1604-1627
    DOI: 10.1111/joms.12816
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Enderle,Georges, 2021. "Corporate Responsibility for Wealth Creation and Human Rights," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9781108830805, September.
    2. James J. Heckman & Sidharth Moktan, 2020. "Publishing and Promotion in Economics: The Tyranny of the Top Five," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 58(2), pages 419-470, June.
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    5. Ashish Arora & Michelle Gittelman & Sarah Kaplan & John Lynch & Will Mitchell & Nicolaj Siggelkow & Brent Goldfarb & Andrew A. King, 2016. "Scientific apophenia in strategic management research: Significance tests & mistaken inference," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 37(1), pages 167-176, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Peng Sun, 2022. "A Review of the Phenomenon and Formation Mechanism of Cultural Differences between the United States and China," International Journal of Science and Business, IJSAB International, vol. 15(1), pages 135-141.
    2. Gideon D. Markman, 2022. "Will your Study Make the World A Better Place?," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 59(6), pages 1597-1603, September.
    3. Herman Aguinis & Donald Bergh & José F. Molina-Azorin, 2023. "Methodological challenges and insights for future international business research," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 54(2), pages 219-232, March.
    4. Herman Aguinis & Estelle E. Archibold & Darryl B. Rice, 2022. "Let’s Fix our Own Problem: Quelling the Irresponsible Research Perfect Storm," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 59(6), pages 1628-1642, September.

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