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Industrial relations, critical social science and reform: I, principles of engagement

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  • Paul Edwards

Abstract

Industrial relations has long had a concern with the links between research and policy. This concern connects with wider debates on emancipation in the related field of Critical Management and in social science in general. This paper lays out an approach to engagement with policy through four arguments. First, ontological realism provides a grounding for claims as to scientific truth. Second, we can also say from realist principles that people have real interests. Third, links between ‘is’ and ‘ought’ can be addressed through the normative arguments presented by Andrew Sayer. Finally, dimensions of real interests, based on the work of Ed Heery, are identified. Part II of the paper provides application and illustration.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul Edwards, 2015. "Industrial relations, critical social science and reform: I, principles of engagement," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 46(3), pages 173-186, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:indrel:v:46:y:2015:i:3:p:173-186
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1111/irj.12097
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Robin Fincham & Timothy Clark, 2009. "Introduction: Can We Bridge the Rigour–Relevance Gap?," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 46(3), pages 510-515, May.
    2. Fabienne Peter, 2003. "Critical Realism, Feminist Epistemology, and the Emancipatory Potential of Science: A Comment on Lawson and Harding," Feminist Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 9(1), pages 93-101.
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    7. Gerard P. Hodgkinson & Denise M. Rousseau, 2009. "Bridging the Rigour–Relevance Gap in Management Research: It's Already Happening!," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 46(3), pages 534-546, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Geraint Harvey & Andy Hodder & Stephen Brammer, 2017. "Trade union participation in CSR deliberation: an evaluation," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 48(1), pages 42-55, January.
    2. Paul Edwards & Andy Hodder, 2022. "Conflict and control in the contemporary workplace: Structured antagonism revisited," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 53(3), pages 220-240, May.
    3. James Walker & Peder Greve & Geoff Wood & Peter Miskell, 2019. "Because you're worth it? Determinants of Vice Chancellor pay in the UK," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 50(5-6), pages 450-467, November.
    4. Vanessa Beck & Paul Brook & Bob Carter & Ian Clark & Andy Danford & Nik Hammer & Shireen Kanji & Melanie Simms, 2016. "Work, employment and society sans frontières: extending and deepening our reach," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 30(2), pages 211-219, April.
    5. Claudio Morrison & Devi Sacchetto, 2018. "Research Ethics in an Unethical World: The Politics and Morality of Engaged Research," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 32(6), pages 1118-1129, December.

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