The synthethic paradigm: pragmatism and design science as a unified framework for management research
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66130/35r3wm28Keywords:
pragmatism, design science, management research, abductive reasoningAbstract
This paper develops a unified framework for management research by integrating pragmatism and design science as complementary philosophical and methodological orientations. Its main objective is to address the long-standing rigor–relevance divide in management studies by showing how research can remain scientifically grounded while producing practically useful knowledge for organizations. Methodologically, the paper undertakes a conceptual and theoretical synthesis of major contributions in pragmatist philosophy and design science research. It traces the evolution of pragmatism through the works of Peirce, James, Dewey, and Mead, and connects these ideas to the development of design science in the writings of Simon, Hevner, van Aken, and Romme. The analysis highlights key methodological implications of this synthesis, including the role of abductive reasoning in generating novel solution concepts, the use of CIMO logic to formulate prescriptive propositions, and the relevance of Action Design Research for combining intervention, evaluation, and theory building. The results of the study show that pragmatism provides the epistemological grounding needed for design science in management by shifting attention from representational truth to utility, problem solving, and contextual validity. In turn, design science offers pragmatism a rigorous pathway for producing field-tested and grounded technological rules that bridge theory and practice. The paper further argues that this synthesis enables management scholars to respond more effectively to contemporary organizational challenges such as innovation, digital transformation, and sustainability. The study concludes that a pragmatic design science approach can reposition management as a professional design discipline, capable of generating actionable, scientifically robust, and socially relevant knowledge. This integrated paradigm therefore offers a promising path for reconnecting academic research with managerial practice and for advancing more participatory, effective, and adaptive organizations.
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