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Relationality in Organizational Research: Exploring The Space Between

Author

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  • Hilary Bradbury

    (Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106)

  • Benyamin M. Bergmann Lichtenstein

    (Department of Management, University of Hartford, West Hartford, Connecticut 06117-1599)

Abstract

Relationships and interactions should be an important focus of attention in organizational scholarship. In contrast to traditional research approaches that focus on independent, discrete entities, methodologies oriented to relational concerns in organizations allow researchers to study the intersubjective and interdependent nature of organizational life. In addition to providing historical and philosophical bases for a perspective which emphasizes relationality, we review the growing number of methods that capture relational aspects of organizational life. Examples include network analysis, and “complexity” modeling, correspondence analysis and participatory research, case study methods, the learning history approach, psychometrics, and action inquiry. Our goal is to establish a “palette” of methodological choices for the researcher interested in operationalizing a relational perspective within organizational research/practice.

Suggested Citation

  • Hilary Bradbury & Benyamin M. Bergmann Lichtenstein, 2000. "Relationality in Organizational Research: Exploring The Space Between," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 11(5), pages 551-564, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ororsc:v:11:y:2000:i:5:p:551-564
    DOI: 10.1287/orsc.11.5.551.15203
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Richard A. Bettis & C. K. Prahalad, 1995. "The dominant logic: Retrospective and extension," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 16(1), pages 5-14.
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