Explaining Management Phenomena

One key objective of management research is to explain business phenomena. Yet understanding the nature of explanation is essentially a topic in philosophy. This is the first book that bridges the gap between a technical, philosophical treatment of the topic and the more practical needs of management scholars, as well as others across the social sciences. It explores how management phenomena can be explained from a philosophical perspective, and renders sophisticated philosophical arguments understandable by readers without specialized training. Covering virtually all the major aspects of the nature of explanation, this work will enhance empirical and theoretical research, as well as approaches combining the two. With many examples from management literature and business news, this study helps scholars in those fields to improve their research outcomes.

'Professor Tsang has written an extremely timely book addressing a long-standing and thorny challenge in management research: How do we know that we know something? In other words, when do we know we have a good explanation for organizational phenomena? These are not mere "philosophical curiosities." Rather, these questions are about how good and useful management theory and research are. Thus, the book offers a comprehensive discussion on how to produce management research that is both rigorous and applicable. I look forward to sharing this book with doctoral students and colleagues around the world.' Herman Aguinis, President, Academy of Management; Avram Tucker Distinguished Scholar, Professor of Management, & Chairperson, Department of Management, The George Washington University School of Business

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