The Rigour-Relevance Gap

Introduction

An ongoing discussion within the field of management research is the rigour-relevance gap. This gap can be described as the lack of connection between rigourous scientific research to relevant managerial practice. I.e. scientific research is expected to be rigourous with references, theories and models based on logical arguments or empirical analysis, while managerial practice searches for relevant, applicable theories and models.

Different aspects of the rigour-relevance gap are subject to the discussion: (1) the relevance of the gap itself (BRON), (2) the need for bridging the gap (BRON) and (3) potential solutions in order to bridge the gap. (BRON) Most researchers agree on the existence of the gap (Kieser & Leiner, 2009; Tranfield & Starkey, 1998), but they do not all assume bridging the gap as possible and desirable. Kieser & Leiner (2009) for example, refute the possibility of developing a bridge between scientific research and managerial practice. They argue that both fields are surrounded by different systems, which cannot be directly linked to each other. Another argument against bridging the gap is about undesirability to do so. Objectivity is an important aspect of academic research, as stated by Kimberley (Walsh et al., 2007).

However, other researchers argue that the gap of rigour and relevance is bridgeable. Different approaches of creating such a bridge are explored within academic research. On one hand, academics suggest that collaboration with stakeholders will contribute to the applicability of research to managerial practice (Tranfield & Starkey, 1998; Tushman, M.L., O'Reilly, C.A., Fenollosa, A., Kleinbaum, A.M. & McGrath, D., 2007). Collaboration with stakeholders can be incorporate...

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...ous ways, whereas the terms 'collaboration' and 'stakeholders' are undefined here. Within this section two perspectives will be discussed. On one hand collaboration between researchers and managers within the managerial field (so called mode 2 research). This type of research is argued as a potential solution to the rigour-relevance gap by Tranfield & Starkey (1998). On the other hand, Tushman et al. (2007) suggest a solution to the gap by providing executive education. They refer to a collaboration between faculties and practitioners, to develop both academic and practical skills to the students.

Mode 2 research

A type of collaborative research is mode 2 research. Mode 2 is a knowledge production system requiring 'trans-disciplinarity in which teamworking rather than heroic individual endeavour becomes the established norm' (Tranfield & Starkey, 1998, p. 347).