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Wisdom, Uncertainty, and Ambiguity: A Study of Management Decisions as Based on Theories and Validated by Research Methods

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  • Ronald J. Degen

    (International School of Management Paris)

Abstract

Wisdom, uncertainty, and ambiguity will always exist in management decisions. One danger for firms lies in managers making decisions that are based on faulty theories acquired through personal experience or learned from experience of others. Often, these decisions don't generate the expected outcome and may even put the future of the firm at risk. To avoid this risk, managers are required to become wiser, more discerning, and more appropriately skeptical toward simplistic formulas and quick-fix remedies (as explained by Rosenzweig, 2007). In this paper, the author discusses types of business research and their philosophical assumptions, the strength and weaknesses of qualitative and quantitative research methods, the benefits of combining both methods, and the trustworthiness of research methods in general for validating the management theories used by managers in their decision-making.

Suggested Citation

  • Ronald J. Degen, 2013. "Wisdom, Uncertainty, and Ambiguity: A Study of Management Decisions as Based on Theories and Validated by Research Methods," Working Papers 94, globADVANTAGE, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria.
    • Handle: RePEc:pil:wpaper:94
    as

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    File URL: https://globadvantage.ipleiria.pt/files/2012/08/Working_paper-94_globadvantage.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Dustin J. Bluhm & Wendy Harman & Thomas W. Lee & Terence R. Mitchell, 2011. "Qualitative Research in Management: A Decade of Progress," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 48(8), pages 1866-1891, December.
    2. Rudolf R. Sinkovics & Eva A. Alfoldi, 2012. "Progressive Focusing and Trustworthiness in Qualitative Research," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 52(6), pages 817-845, December.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    management decisions; business research methods; risk of faulty theories; wisdom in management decisions;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M0 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - General
    • M1 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration

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