Rigour, relevance and reward : introducing the knowledge translation value-chain

Thorpe, Richard and Eden, Colin and Bessant, John and Ellwood, Paul (2011) Rigour, relevance and reward : introducing the knowledge translation value-chain. British Journal of Management, 22 (3). pp. 420-431.

Abstract

This paper recognizes the substantive contributions made within the British Journal of Management to conducting research relevant to management at the level of individual studies. We aim to reorient the debate to take account of a researcher's contribution to practice over time and, by so doing, to indicate the range of ways knowledge can be translated and (through engagement with users and policymakers) modified, embedded and otherwise found useful. To achieve this, we conceptualize management scholarship as a knowledge translation value-chain. We propose that, to maximize relevance, knowledge must be reconfigured in multiple contexts, of which management research provides but one. The paper concludes with observations on the additional skills that researchers might need to make use of opportunities for engagement right across the knowledge translation value-chain.

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