ABSTRACT
During the last ten years, efforts have been made to improve the breadth and quality of empirical approaches to the study of organizations (e.g. Burrell and Morgan 1979; Van Maanen 1979; Mitroff and Mason 1981; Hackman 1982; Morgan 1986). Partially in response to such efforts as these, organizational researchers are discussing methods and methodology more openly than before. 2 Often, one of two positions is argued. The first, a simple mono-method argument, proposes that one type of method is generally better than another. The second, a complex mono-method approach, argues that one type of method is better than another for the purpose of addressing a particular theoretical issue. Because these two positions have been advocated frequently, this chapter explores both seriously.
