Making a life in the field of organization science

Abstract In a provocative address and article, Jeff Pfeffer called for greater consensus and stronger paradigm development in organization science. John Van Maanen and others responded with encouragement for the existing order where a thousand flowers can bloom. More than 10 years after this debate, it appears that many flowers are still blooming. Lost in the original and current discourse, however, is the story of individuals struggling to make a life in a field characterized by weak paradigm development. In this essay, we tell their story, a story of wasted efforts and uncertain outcomes. The degree of dissensus and weak paradigm development in our field has significant implications for junior scholars. These implications will not be ameliorated by calling for stronger paradigm development. Wishing for consensus does not appear to have any impact on our field or on individual outcomes. Rather than despair over the plight of the field and the tremendous costs to individuals, we conclude with a simple proposal designed to aid aspiring scholars. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.