Abstract

"Evidence-Based Management in "Macro" Areas: The Case of Strategic Management"

Ravi Madhavan and Joseph T. Mahoney

First Author :

Ravi Madhavan
Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business
Professor of Business Administration, University of Pittsburgh

412-648-1530

rmadhavan@katz.pitt.edu

Second Author :

Joseph T. Mahoney
Business Administration
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, College of Business
1206 S. Sixth Street, MC 706
Champaign, IL 61820
USA

217-244-8257

josephm@illinois.edu

http://www.business.uiuc.edu/faculty/mahoney.html

Abstract :

Despite its intuitive appeal, evidence-based management (EBMgt) faces unique challenges in “macro” areas such as Organization Theory and Strategy Management, which emphasize actions by organizations, and business and corporate leaders. The inherent focus on complex, multi-level and unique problems present serious challenges. EBMgt will nurture the establishment of a new model of research that is not only cumulative in its knowledge-building but also promotes engaged scholarship. Further, the uncertainty and conflict that characterize “macro” decision contexts heighten the need for EBMgt. We put forward four recommendations to advance EBMgt: (1) using more sophisticated meta-analyses; (2) providing syntheses that go beyond quantitative summaries; (3) engaging in a disciplined conversation about our implicit “levels of evidence” frameworks; and (4) developing decision supports.

Manuscript Received : 2011

Manuscript Published : 2011

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