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A true competitive advantage? Reflections on different epistemological approaches to strategy research

Author

Listed:
  • Durand, Rodolphe
  • Vaara, Eero

Abstract

In this paper, the authors focus on the theory of truth underlying specific traditions in strategy research. They distinguish positivism, constructionism, scientific realism, and pragmatism as viable, but fundamentally different epistemological approaches. The authors argue that each of these approaches is based on a specific theory of truth.

Suggested Citation

  • Durand, Rodolphe & Vaara, Eero, 2006. "A true competitive advantage? Reflections on different epistemological approaches to strategy research," HEC Research Papers Series 838, HEC Paris.
    • Handle: RePEc:ebg:heccah:0838
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Richard Whittington, 1992. "Putting Giddens Into Action: Social Systems And Managerial Agency," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(6), pages 693-712, November.
    2. Michael Lounsbury & Mary Ann Glynn, 2001. "Cultural entrepreneurship: stories, legitimacy, and the acquisition of resources," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 22(6‐7), pages 545-564, June.
    3. Andrew C. Wicks & R. Edward Freeman, 1998. "Organization Studies and the New Pragmatism: Positivism, Anti-positivism, and the Search for Ethics," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 9(2), pages 123-140, April.
    4. Robert R. Wiggins & Timothy W. Ruefli, 2002. "Sustained Competitive Advantage: Temporal Dynamics and the Incidence and Persistence of Superior Economic Performance," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 13(1), pages 81-105, February.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    truth; strategy; competitive advantage;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L10 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - General

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