Adopting A Research Methodology in Management Sciences: An Appropriate Guide for Postgraduate Researchers

Abstract

Most postgraduate researchers from management sciences find it difficult in establishing their research
philosophies and paradigms within the boundaries of research approaches in social and management
sciences. This has resulted in methodological unfitness in most postgraduate thesis and dissertations.
Therefore, this paper provides theoretical evidence from the literature the numerous research
philosophies and paradigms underpinning social and management sciences research. Consequently, the
paper pinpoint and presents the most appropriate research methodology and method for adoption by
postgraduate researchers based on the philosophical assumptions and paradigm identified. Moreover,
the paper clearly discussed the ontological, epistemological, human nature and methodological
dimensions associated with management sciences research. The paper outlines three philosophies
namely, positivism, interpretivism and pragmatic dimensions as strands of the research philosophies in
social and management sciences for adoption by researchers. Lastly, the paper identified and explained
mixed methodology as the current global research practices in management sciences. The paper
recommends that postgraduate researchers in management sciences should be encouraged to underpin
their thesis and dissertations with philosophical viewpoints and adopt mixed methodology associated
with pragmatism which views social reality in pluralistic lens. Thus, when pragmatic approach is used,
a researcher will be considered to be standing on his two feet.