The Incompleteness Theorem

Abstract

The contribution to knowledge of social science in general, and organization studies in particular, largely takes the form of published texts rather than of any specific findings alienable from their form of presentation. While such texts are often claimed to provide either “implications for practice” or explanation of observed phenomena, neither of these aims can be seen to be commonly achieved by extant research or resultant publications. In this chapter, I aim to seriously consider the implications of the above observations, as well as to argue that the scientistic–vocational model of management studies creates expectations that are impossible to meet and irrelevant in identifying research of lasting (or, indeed, any) value. Instead, I postulate that rereading, reinterpretation, and recontextualization are necessary components of social research and that any evaluation of such research should include appreciation of ambiguity and openness alongside (or even instead of) that of precision and clarity. I further argue that practices from the world of arts and art criticism can be helpful in providing guidance for how to appreciate and nurture the awareness of the necessary incompleteness of any research publication.