In Renewing Research Practice prominent scholars in organization studies share their experiences in overcoming research obstacles, working with collaborators, and balancing professional and personal life demands. This book, driven by the scholars' stories of triumph and frustration, will help others in similar situations find their way to successful research renewal. The book is organized around a series of chapters and commentaries that invites the reader to interact with the ideas presented. Interspersed between the chapters, the volume editors discuss broader issues important to the development of a successful research practice - the nature of the scholarly community, ethics, the changing terrain of organization studies, the intoxication of the research journey, rethinking the notion of discipline, and a reflection on the American-centrism of management research. Of special interest to scholars and researchers in organization studies, this book will assist all social scientists, at whatever stage of the research journey they are in.

"Stablein and Frost's Renewing Research Practice is one of those books that any scholar in the organizations and management field simply must read! It is a book of breathtaking honesty rather than reconstructed logic, lifting the veil on what the practice of research as intellectual craft really involves. We learn that even the very best researchers sometimes have metaphorical feet of clay and literal moments of dread when they stall or are unable to find their way--but are able to lift themselves up, dust themselves down, and start over again--an ability that makes them what they have become." --Stewart Clegg, University of Technology, Sydney, School of Management
"Stablein and Frost investigate challenges that researchers confront in pursuing and sustaining their careers. Springboarding from autobiographical essays by 8 researchers, 14 others extract practical heuristics for maintaining one's enthusiasm, and the editors reflect on the social and ideological contexts that influence one's research work. The result is a rich experiential stew that can nourish working lives." --Bill Starbuck, Stern School of Business, New York University

This book features some of the most informative and provocative articles to appear in the Crossroads section of Organizational Science. Crossroads is devoted to the publication of papers intended to stimulate conversations across different disciplines, perspectives, and orientations. Written by outstanding scholars, the themes of the book cover a wide range of issues at the heart of the study of organizations. These include debates over the role of economics in strategic management research and the now classic exchanges between Jeff Pfeffer and John Van Maanen over the direction of organizational science studies; discourses that describe, analyze and critique ways to present and understand organizations, including a re-appraisal of Gibson Burrell and Gareth Morgan's seminal work on sociological paradigms of organizational analysis and views on (organizational) culture expressed by several leading writers on the topic: It includes dialogues on some quite radical or unusual "takes" on organizational life: the role of the tempered radical or unusual "takes" on organizational life: the role of the tempered radical, working inside the organization for fundamental change; the dilemmas facing individuals publishing qualitative research in main stream journals; the implications of adopting a spiritual lens to the study of organizations; and a discussion of ways we might better bridge the gap between academic thinking and business practice.

The articles reveal the authors' depth of knowledge and passion for their subject. They are an ideal source of information and insight, for both new and mature scholars. These debates can serve as an excellent basis to spark enlightened and enjoyableconversations in research seminars and are very useful for informal study.

This book features some of the most informative and provocative articles to appear in the Crossroads section of Organizational Science. Crossroads is devoted to the publication of papers intended to stimulate conversations across different disciplines, perspectives, and orientations. Written by outstanding scholars, the themes of the book cover a wide range of issues at the heart of the study of organizations. These include debates over the role of economics in strategic management research and the now classic exchanges between Jeff Pfeffer and John Van Maanen over the direction of organizational science studies; discourses that describe, analyze and critique ways to present and understand organizations, including a re-appraisal of Gibson Burrell and Gareth Morgan's seminal work on sociological paradigms of organizational analysis and views on (organizational) culture expressed by several leading writers on the topic: It includes dialogues on some quite radical or unusual "takes" on organizational life: the role of the tempered radical or unusual "takes" on organizational life: the role of the tempered radical, working inside the organization for fundamental change; the dilemmas facing individuals publishing qualitative research in main stream journals; the implications of adopting a spiritual lens to the study of organizations; and a discussion of ways we might better bridge the gap between academic thinking and business practice.

The articles reveal the authors' depth of knowledge and passion for their subject. They are an ideal source of information and insight, for both new and mature scholars. These debates can serve as an excellent basis to spark enlightened and enjoyableconversations in research seminars and are very useful for informal study.

In this thought-provoking collection of personal essays, a diverse group of professors describe what they actually do in the classroom and in their personal lives to balance the tension between teaching and research. Some of the themes Researchers Hooked on Teaching discusses are teachers as models for each other and their students, individualism versus collectivism in the institution and the classroom; and finding one's voice. This insightful new book suggests that if scholars are to be teachers, then their ability to integrate teaching and research is basic to their well-being over the course of their career, and is probably a predictor of classroom effectiveness as well. Contributors include Karl Weick, Peter Vaill, Barbara Gutek, Howard Aldrich, and others known for their creativity and scholarship. Students and scholars in the field of organizational studies--and particularly students who aspire to academic careers--will find this a helpful resource. Other areas to which Researchers Hooked on Teaching will be applicable include gender studies, sociology, psychology, and courses in teacher training.

In this thought-provoking collection of personal essays, a diverse group of professors describe what they actually do in the classroom and in their personal lives to balance the tension between teaching and research. Some of the themes Researchers Hooked on Teaching discusses are teachers as models for each other and their students, individualism versus collectivism in the institution and the classroom; and finding one's voice. This insightful new book suggests that if scholars are to be teachers, then their ability to integrate teaching and research is basic to their well-being over the course of their career, and is probably a predictor of classroom effectiveness as well. Contributors include Karl Weick, Peter Vaill, Barbara Gutek, Howard Aldrich, and others known for their creativity and scholarship. Students and scholars in the field of organizational studies--and particularly students who aspire to academic careers--will find this a helpful resource. Other areas to which Researchers Hooked on Teaching will be applicable include gender studies, sociology, psychology, and courses in teacher training.

"Reading this book is like enjoying an exotic buffet. It is exotic to hear unfamiliar teaching voices from familiar researchers. The variety of voices is both quantatively and qualitatively satisfying to 'hungry' researchers who plan to start their teaching careers soon." --Dora Lau, Doctoral Student, Faculty of Commerce and Business Administration, University of British Columbia "A must-read for anyone embarking upon a career in academia Researchers Hooked on Teaching provides valuable insights into the trials and tribulations of teaching at the college level." --Jennifer Cliff, Doctoral Student, University of British Columbia Offering support, guidance, and advice for those contemplating or already involved in academic careers, Rhythms of Academic Life is a comprehensive manual that surveys important topics relevant to the world of academia, such as publishing, research, teaching, pedagogy, teamwork, sabbaticals, and tenure. Written by an incomparable diverse group of scholars, this collection provides rich, personal, sometimes poignant, and often humorous accounts of both the common and the unique journeys taken throughout an academic lifetime. The contributors describe the experiences of scholars in different roles and transition points and supply a set of guidelines that will help others make informed choices. This one-of-a-kind volume makes it possible to enter into an academic career well-prepared and familiarizes the reader with the academic work climate. Students and professionals in organization studies, management, and across a variety of disciplines will find that this volume greatly enhances their understanding of scholarly life. The illustrious cast of contributors provide a wealth of down-to-earth, reliable advice--proving once and for all that those who can, teach.

This is a 'must-have' book. It is a primer to publishing for all Ph.D. students and junior faculty members. --Anne Tsui, Graduate School of Management, University of California, Irvine "The most difficult transitions faced by entering doctoral students are those associated with (1) becoming a scholar rather than a student and (2) moving from the business world to the academy. What is research? What is quality research? What skills are required to produce a quality manuscript? What role does the journal system serve and how does it work? How are manuscripts refereed? What do professors at research universities do? How are they evaluated and rewarded? What does it take to be successful as a scholar at a research-oriented academic institution? These and other issues are effectively addressed through the 28 thought-provoking yet entertaining essays of unusually consistent quality contained in Publishing in the Organizational Sciences. The essays are timeless, promoting journeys and treks through a landscape that is otherwise unlikely to be encountered. Students love the book and the conversations it promotes. I cannot think of a more appropriate vehicle for introducing these critically important issues to the next generation of scholars in the organizational sciences." --Robert W. Zmud, Department of Information and Management Sciences, Florida State University Presenting a range of analytical and emotional issues, Publishing in the Organizational Sciences is a comprehensive overview of all aspects of the publishing process. Unique in its content, this volume is written especially for the prospective author/scholar who wants to learn more about the field to advance their career and publishing success. Some of the topics covered in this provocative volume are the manuscript review process, publication system, newcomers' perspectives, values, reviewing manuscripts, rejection, becoming a reviewer, and editorial process. More than just a "how-to" book, Cummings and Frost examine the process from the perspective of the writers, reviewers, editors, and readers, ranging from the newcomer to the established scholar. The authors explain the entire context of scholarly publishing and how it should work toward advancing knowledge and successful management practice. This comprehensive, detailed volume is a must for students and professionals in organization and management studies.

Doing Exemplary Research is one of my favorite books because it is one of the most open and least contained books, out of whose intertextuality many other possible books can be written, journeys made, and exemplars established. It is a book that does much more than it says. It is capable of many readings, diverse indexing, and possible trajectories. It works, despite itself on occasion, as a postmodern text, rewritten every time it is read. Stewart Clegg in Contempory Sociology "The pieces by the original authors are very illuminating about the false starts, frustrations, and interpersonal problems in doing research in organizations, as well as difficulties associated with getting material published. In the book's last two chapters, the editors explore the common themes in the preceding chapters and then speculate about the broader significance of the seven exemplars. These two chapters are excellent and more insightful than most of the commentaries. Frost and Stablein reveal a number of common themes which are well illustrated with examples from the preceding discussions. . . . The book provides an excellent introduction to the nature of the research process as it is lived by researchers . . . as such it will be of immense use to students of research methodology." --Organization Studies "I could scarcely put Doing Exemplary Research down until I had finished it. I found it engrossing and enlightening. . . . Your book is the richest of all the texts and readings on organizational sociology to which I have been exposed. . . . You have made a tremendous contribution to my knowledge of the field and growth as a social scientist!" --Marcia R. Prior-Miller, Iowa State University "This book is an unusual and valuable one on how research in the social sciences is actually carried out. . . . The book's structure is itself innovative. . . . Frost and Stablein have themselves achieved a piece of exemplary research in this book. I found it engrossing and rewarding reading, and enthusiastically recommend it to anyone interested in how social scientists actually go about the process of doing good research. Its messages are of particular practical value to younger members of the research community who should benefit even more from their second and third readings. It could make the basis of a good short course within any post-graduate research program in business studies." --Creativity and Innovation Management "By having both junior and senior scholars reflect on the work that led up to their exemplary research publications, this book provides valuable insights into the contemplation, speculation, perspiration and frustration that constitute successful research. The emphasis on process in Doing Exemplary Research is unique and the book deserves a wide readership in all fields of management and the social sciences. In my class the students from mathematics, economics, and behavioral science backgrounds all found the book informative and, indeed, inspiring." --Kenneth R. MacCrimmon, E. D. MacPhee Professor of Management, University of British Columbia "Absorbing. Instructive. These are at least two of the terms that best describe this book for me. It is absorbing in the sense that any good book of short stories draws readers in and holds their interest tightly from one chapter to the next--virtually a 'can't put it down until I've finished' volume. It is, then, thoroughly engrossing in a charmingly engaging manner. However, the book is also much more than that--much more than the proverbial 'good read.' This is because it is also highly instructive in the way in which it makes you think and ponder while you are perusing it. No one, rookies or veterans alike, can come away from this collection of commentaries and observations without having learned something at a deeper level than before about the research process. This volume illuminates and teaches as well as entertains. . . . Together with their elicitation of authors' and experts' commentaries and their own analyses, (Frost and Stablein) have produced an exemplary book." --from the Foreword by Lyman Porter "This is a work of the spirit. It is an edited collection of moral journeys into the inner life and craft of scientific research in organization studies. . . . This format offers enlightening juxtapositions of the viewpoints of writers and readers of each research study and of the front-stage and back-stage goings-on of each research study. These juxtapositions also make for a dramatic structure that builds and holds the reader's interest. . . . Instead of lording over the reader with textbook commandments about how research ought to be done (commandments that confirm us all in sin), it beseeches the reader with moral stories of research done well. Far from the canonical ideal, these stories depict a research process that includes more error, more success, more effort, more serendipity, more despair, more humor, and more human drama. Charming anecdotes abound. . . . (These stories also) depict a research process that is a complex and nuanced whole, rather than a stylized construction of logical steps and simple techniques." --Lloyd Sandelands, University of Michigan Research is a curious process of immersion in ideas and data, passion, insight, challenge, uncertainty, persistence, and learning regardless of the outcome. Once in a while there comes along a book that opens a window on the research process, giving research a human face by introducing the human element into a methodical process. Doing Exemplary Research is just such a book. These fascinating recollections of research journeys provide an array of ideas and insights about how research takes place that leads to exemplary outcomes. Contributions feature recollections by the researchers on the origins, experiences, and outcomes of the studies and original expert commentaries upon those classic models. An exciting inside look at the give and take of scholarly collaboration and the process of doing empirical research, the candid accounts and revealing commentaries in this volume seek to demystify the research process and provide inspiration for future research. Doing Exemplary Research is an essential resource for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, as well as researchers across the social sciences. It will be of special interest to those in the organizational sciences, including organizational consultants, managers, and other professionals.

Once again setting the standard for the field, the editors of Organizational Culture (Sage, 1985) have reassembled to create a new exploration in Reframing Organizational Culture. In this engaging volume, the contributors continue the ongoing process of discovery and invention, the interaction between investigator and the subject of inquiry. The editors have included a variety of frames as tools that allow readers to examine any empirical piece on organizational culture on its own merits--as good research--while at the same time, permit viewing it from other perspectives as well. How is organizational culture studied? To further understanding of what goes into studying organizational culture, an early, well-known exemplar of cultural research by William Foote Whyte is presented, along with commentaries by four currently active researchers plus a final rebuttal by Whyte. Enlightening and stimulating, the exploration of epistemology, rather than specific methods in Reframing Organizational Culture, allows for discovery and further research into organizational culture. Combined with a unique emphasis on process, this volume also includes reflections from the editors, pointing out their values, biases, beliefs, perceptions, and experiences in research, and lending a human dimension to the research process. This creative synthesis is essential reading for academics, researchers, and professionals in the areas of organization studies and management. "The editors of Reframing Organizational Culture skillfully concocted a spicy and satisfying entrée that goes beyond their first effort (Organizational Culture, Sage, 1985) to evaluate their topic and its contributions, to date and potentially. . . . The examples are generally colorful and well displayed, ranging from Barley's look at funeral homes ('Semiotics and The Study of Occupational and Organizational Culture') to Van Maanen's reflections on The Magic Kingdom ('The Smile Factory: Work at Disneyworld'). . . . Part One . . . presents a thorough bibliography. . . . Trice's 'Comments and Discussion' provides balance and argues for quantification as a means of 'keeping the flame alive.' . . . Part Three, 'An Epilogue And a Closing.' is reflective and inspirational. . . . Reframing Organizational Culture left me nourished, stimulated, and encouraged. The book's numerous components flow smoothly and logically, aided by strong transitions and integrative passages. Given the editors' objective to 'reframe' rather than 'revisit' organizational culture, I contend they succeeded. The content and extensive bibliography render it an excellent supplement for the academic audience: For those already in the field, the book provides a thorough update and challenge to the cutting edge; for those new to the field, the book offers a balanced and encouraging overview without intimidation. . . . The merits of Reframing Organizational Culture to the practitioner audience stem from the concise writing and vivid examples, particularly in Part One and most of Part Two." --Journal of Management