THE SCIENTIFIC STATUS OF MANAGEMENT RESEARCH

Abstract

In this essay, it is sought to fill the theoretical gap concerning the reasons why the discipline of management finds difficulties to consolidate itself as science. Thus, two reasons are pointed out for that. The first concerns to the fact that management, as social science, does not reach any of the scientificity criteria reached by the natural sciences, which occurs due to the complexity of the its object of study and the fact that social and natural sciences are distinct and its not possible the replacement of one by another, making inconsistent to judge management by the natural sciences criteria. The second reason is related to the validity and relevance of the results obtained by management research, which makes that the researches require expanding their methodological rigor and present relevant contributions to the organizations management. In face of the highlighted and discussed aspects in this essay, it is defended the position that management can generate scientific knowledge, requiring, however, independently of epistemological position, to take more care of methodological rigor of studies in the area, so that their results are valid, as well to seek relevant contributions that improve the organizations management, considering that management has an applied nature.