Nurturing the historic turn: “history as theory” versus “history as method”

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to explore the turn in management and organization studies (MOS) and reflect on “history as theory” versus “history as method”. Design/methodology/approach Looking at previous research and the evolution of MOS, this paper situates the special issue papers in the current climate of this area of research. Findings The special issue papers included here each make a theoretical contribution to methodology in historical organization studies. Originality/value The eight articles featured in the special issue offer examples of innovative and historically sensitive methodology that, according to the authors, increase the management historian toolkit and ultimately enhance the methodological pluralism of historical organization studies as a field.