Initially, the basic principles of research strategy and design are examined and the
ontological and epistemological assumptions which underpin different research
paradigms and strategies examined. Next, the methods utilised by researchers in
construction management are examined through examination of a recent complete
volume of the peer-reviewed journal Construction Management and Economics. This
analysis reveals the extent to which methodological pluralism has been embraced by
the research community to date. In addition, it examines the types of interpretative
research methods applied by construction management researchers and questions.
Thus, the results reveal both how the construction management research community
has responded to the philosophical questions asked of it in the mid-1990s, and the
Methodological pluralism in construction management research
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diversity of research approaches that this has induced. The ensuing discussion
speculates as to the likelihood of the insights gained through these research approaches
informing the development and evolution of the industry that it serves. The likely
impact of an enduring polarisation of philosophical position is juxtaposed against the
potential benefits of multimethodological research design. This is used as the basis for
the construction of an argument for the promotion of methodological pluralism in
construction management research as a reaction to the entrenched views which
seemingly pervade much of the community at present