Evidence-Based Management in "Macro" Areas: The Case of Strategic Management

Despite its intuitive appeal, evidence-based management (EBMgt) faces unique challenges in "macro" areas such as organization theory and strategic management, which emphasize actions by organizations and business and corporate leaders. The inherent focus on complex, multilevel and unique problems presents serious challenges that EBMgt scholars must address. EBMgt will nurture the establishment of a new model of research that is not only cumulative in its knowledge building but also promotes engaged scholarship. Further, the uncertainty and conflict that characterize "macro" decision contexts heighten the need for EBMgt. We put forward four recommendations to advance EBMgt: (1) using more sophisticated meta-analyses, (2) providing syntheses that go beyond quantitative summaries, (3) engaging in a disciplined conversation about our implicit "levels of evidence" frameworks, and (4) developing decision supports.