Epistemological Obstacles in Organizational Studies: Considerations based on Gaston Bachelard

Abstract

Based on the understanding of epistemology as the production of knowledge – that is, as an epistemological act – this essay aims to critically elaborate considerations on epistemological obstacles in organizational studies, drawing on the arguments of Gaston Bachelard. To this end, the obstacles have been organized into three categories of analysis: (a) the descriptive empiricist obstacle, which includes first experiences; (b) the mystical idealist obstacle, which includes general knowledge, verbalism, and unitary and pragmatic knowledge; and (c) the methodological technicist obstacle, which includes substantialism and quantitativism. We will address the question of how epistemological obstacles manifest in organizational studies in view of the growing prevalence of empirical-descriptive studies, studies and models based on idealistic conceptions, and the valuation of methodological technicality, which takes precedence over the reality being investigated. The reflections point to the abundance of studies that: (a) focus on the immediate appearance of phenomena with little depth or criticism; (b) focus on broad, vague, and imprecise concepts; (c) use theoretical references as limiting assumptions for developing scientific knowledge; and (d) promote methodologism, emphasizing the correct application of specific techniques at the expense of the intended content.