The philosophy of science contains four basic approaches to science, each of which has its
equivalent in contemporary theories about and methods of organizational research. This
article considers how organizational theorists can gain from the insights ofphilosophers of
science without, however, having to accept those philosophers'rather negative conclusions
about the scientific status and potential of organizational research. To that end, the article
suggests new ways oftheorizing about organizational research which, whilefollowing the
example of the philosophy of science, are nonetheless better adapted to the special
requirements of organizational research. Finally, the article seeks to shift organizational
theorists'focus away from the question, "Is organizational research scientific?" to such
questions as "Which theory about organizational research is best able to explain which
aspect of the field?"and "Which method of organizational research is best able to solve
what kind of problem?"
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