What is it about?
This publication is all about making research and work in organizations better by being more open-minded and respectful of different ideas. Imagine trying to solve a big puzzle, but everyone only looks at it from their own small corner. This paper says we should instead bring everyone's unique perspectives to the table, listen carefully to each other, and admit when we don't have all the answers. It argues that by valuing diverse viewpoints – whether from different cultures, job roles, or even how people think – we can understand complex problems like new technologies, global challenges, or workplace diversity much more deeply. This approach helps us avoid biases, makes our research more accurate and useful, and ultimately leads to fairer and more effective solutions for everyone involved. It's about creating a more collaborative and inclusive way of thinking and working, from how research is done to how leaders manage their teams.
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Why is it important?
This work is timely and important because it directly addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by our rapidly changing world. With new technologies constantly reshaping how we work, increasing diversity in our workplaces, and complex global issues demanding innovative solutions, traditional ways of thinking and researching are often insufficient. What makes this unique is its strong emphasis on "epistemic respect" and "intellectual humility," essentially, the idea that truly understanding something requires respecting diverse ways of knowing and being humble enough to admit we don't have all the answers. This isn't just a nice idea; it's a practical framework for better research and more effective organizations. By advocating for collaborative, inclusive, and transparent approaches, this publication offers a roadmap for creating more ethical, relevant, and impactful solutions to today's most pressing organizational challenges. It promises to make a real difference by fostering a more nuanced and just understanding of organizational life, leading to better decisions and more equitable outcomes for everyone.
Perspectives
I see this work as foundational for the future of leadership. In an era of unprecedented complexity, leaders must cultivate both epistemic respect and intellectual humility. This means actively seeking out diverse perspectives, acknowledging the limits of one's own knowledge, and fostering environments where all voices are valued. It's about moving beyond hierarchical knowledge structures to embrace collaborative inquiry, ultimately leading to more robust decision-making and truly inclusive organizational cultures. This approach isn't just ethical; it's a strategic imperative for sustainable success.
Prof. Robert M Yawson, PhD
Quinnipiac University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Editorial: Epistemic respect and intellectual humility: foundations for transformative organizational research, Organization Management Journal, November 2025, Emerald,
DOI: 10.1108/omj-10-2025-980.
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