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From Practice-based Knowledge to the Practice of Research: Revisiting Constructivist Research Works on Knowledge

University of Paris South 11, PESOR France, sandra.charreire-petit{at}u-psud.fr

Isabelle Huault

University of Paris Dauphine, DRM France

Research studies within organizational knowledge are good examples for both analyzing and illustrating the debate regarding a paradigm shift in management. Most articles in the field focus on knowledge complexity and its socially constructed side. Researchers have noted a great deal of similarity between this socially constructed nature and the shaping elements of constructivism. They argue for a paradigm shift, rejecting positivism. To more fully understand this paradigm shift, and to address the number of methodological questions it raises, we carried out a content analysis on a sample of the main articles dealing with organizational knowledge. Our research points out that the principles of constructivism are difficult to adhere to within research design. It underlines the lack of specific methodological devices and lack of adaptation with the epistemological system of reference. This study highlights the methodological perspectives that underpin constructivist research in organizational knowledge.

Key Words: constructivism • epistemology • knowledge • methodological tools • paradigm shift

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