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The rigor-relevance gap in Project Management research: It's time to stop the lament and think and act reflexively

Author

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  • Jacques-Bernard Gauthier

    (UQO - Université du Québec en Outaouais)

  • Lavagnon Ika

    (École de gestion Telfer / Université d'Ottawa - University of Ottawa [Ottawa])

Abstract

Over the last decades, the "rigor-relevance gap" has garnered attention in Project Management (PM) research. In this paper, we argue that reflexivity can help produce more relevant and rigorous research and we invite scholars to stop sitting on the sidelines only to lament such a gap. In our clarion call to overcoming the gap, we challenge scholars to take an active and competent part. To that end, we outline typical reflexive questions along with four main pillars that scholars ought to take into account: 1) the status of the PM knowledge field; 2) the evolution of PM through historical periods of thoughts; 3) PM and social theory; and 4) ontological and epistemological assumptions. We also showcase the dialectical interplay not only between sociology and PM but also among these interdependent pillars. Finally, we conclude that such an interplay offers the best opportunity to overcome the rigor-relevance gap in PM.

Suggested Citation

  • Jacques-Bernard Gauthier & Lavagnon Ika, 2022. "The rigor-relevance gap in Project Management research: It's time to stop the lament and think and act reflexively," Working Papers hal-03563085, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:wpaper:hal-03563085
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-03563085
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

    Project Management Research; Epistemology; Ontology; Social Theory; Relevance; Rigor; Reflexivity;
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