Meaning and interpretation: insights and discourse
Abstract
Purpose
The paper seeks to analyze the discourse of meaning and interpretation in the social sciences. It aims to provide a historical overview of the hermeneutics and the need for scientific as well as general understanding, and to emphasize the importance of the interpretive approach in management history.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper provides an in‐depth literature review of interpretation.
Findings
Interpretative approach is a basic building block of all science and management praxis.
Research limitations/implications
Literature is limited to social science.
Practical implications
The paper highlights the importance of interpretation in management dialogue and praxis, vis‐à‐vis a sole reliance on rationalistic methods.
Originality/value
The originality of the paper lies in the scope of its literature review and the broad understanding it provides for management praxis.
Keywords
Citation
Kakabadse, N.K. and Steane, P. (2010), "Meaning and interpretation: insights and discourse", Journal of Management History, Vol. 16 No. 3, pp. 346-366. https://doi.org/10.1108/17511341011051243
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited