Ontology, Epistemology and Methodology

This entry explores the ontology, epistemology and methodology drawn on by research in work and organizational psychology (w/o psychology). Based on a review of studies published in nine highly ranked w/o psychology journals over the past decade, we identify and discuss three dominant themes: (1) the absence of ontological and epistemological debates, (2) sameness of ontology and epistemology, (3) methodological isomorphism. By identifying directions for future w/o psychology scholarship, we recommend greater focus on congruence between ontological and epistemological beliefs and methodology. While this may enable scholars to make more deliberate research choices in how they work, it also fosters pluralism in the field. As such, this entry is an invitation to scholars to further reflect on these themes

Ontology, Epistemology and Methodology

This entry explores the ontology, epistemology and methodology drawn on by research in work and organizational psychology (w/o psychology). Based on a review of studies published in nine highly ranked w/o psychology journals over the past decade, we identify and discuss three dominant themes: (1) the absence of ontological and epistemological debates, (2) sameness of ontology and epistemology, (3) methodological isomorphism. By identifying directions for future w/o psychology scholarship, we recommend greater focus on congruence between ontological and epistemological beliefs and methodology. While this may enable scholars to make more deliberate research choices in how they work, it also fosters pluralism in the field. As such, this entry is an invitation to scholars to further reflect on these themes