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From significant difference to significant sameness: Proposing a paradigm shift in business research

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  • Hubbard, Raymond
  • Lindsay, R. Murray

Abstract

Complaints about the value of academic business research in addressing real world issues are common. A change in research paradigms—from significant difference to significant sameness—is necessary to improve this situation. The present paper challenges research orthodoxy as representing poor scientific practice and advocates an entirely different paradigm based on a sophisticated replication tradition following a meta-methodology of critical realism. A comprehensive analysis across philosophical, methodological, and statistical literatures develops this argument.

Suggested Citation

  • Hubbard, Raymond & Lindsay, R. Murray, 2013. "From significant difference to significant sameness: Proposing a paradigm shift in business research," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 66(9), pages 1377-1388.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:66:y:2013:i:9:p:1377-1388
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2012.05.002
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    8. Gray, Rob & Milne, Markus J., 2015. "It's not what you do, it's the way that you do it? Of method and madness," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 32(C), pages 51-66.

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