This paper analyzes how enthusiasm for data science methods in organization science has masked divergences between data science and organization science epistemologies and the likely consequences of adopting some or all of the precepts of data science epistemology on the future direction of organization science theory and research. Possible outcomes are framed in terms of three scenarios: marginalization of data science within organization science, integration of data science and organization science epistemologies and methodologies, and bifurcation with some organization science scholars affirming the current epistemology and others adopting data science epistemology and methods. The paper concludes with suggestions to shape the conversations needed to set a path for the future of OS theory and research.
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