Qualitative middle-range research in operations management: The need for theory-driven empirical inquiry

Soltani, Ebrahim; Ahmed, Pervaiz K.; Liao, Ying Ying; Anosike, Paschal U.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to highlight the potential of a qualitative middle-range research approach to contribute to the advancement of operations management (OM) field. Design/methodology/approach -To better signify such contribution, it takes insight from Merton's (1968) notion of middle-range theory as a means to create pathways of propositions that link substantive concepts and practices of OM in both context-specific and context-free operational environments. Findings: The paper brings to the fore the argument that achieving the primary objective of filling the "theory-methods" void in OM can be achieved through adoption of a qualitative middle-range approach. Originality/value: The originality of this paper hinges on the premise that theory-oriented qualitative field research that is able to incorporate experiences of different stakeholders of the OM intervention is highly likely to benefit OM theory advancement as well as OM practice. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Online Publication Date: Jul 29, 2014
• Publication Date: Jul 29, 2014
• Deposit Date: Apr 5, 2023
• Journal: International Journal of Operations and Production Management
• Print ISSN: 0144-3577
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 34
• Issue: 8
• Pages: 1003-1027
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPM-11-2012-0486
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/10610288
• Publisher URL: https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJOPM-11-2012-0486/full/html