Abstract At the crossroad of East/West and theory/practice debate, Chinese management scholars are facing great challenges on choosing proper research roadmap. From a theory building perspective, this article defines what theory is and the features of good management theory, then examines the different research paradigms and knowledge producing modes in US and European management society, and it also illustrates the different positions of a few famous management scholars in the US. Furthermore, a multiparadigm approach is proposed to management study for Chinese scholars, suggesting them to choose a main paradigm suited for themselves based on their research interests and personal characteristics. Those Chinese scholars who may wish for building good theories could construct their own “Chinese scholarship” with worldclass quality based on choosing proper research paradigms and methodology. It is argued that a healthy Chinese management scholarship needs different positioning of various scholars and advocates diversity in the scholarship community. Finally, the article appeals for the efforts of scholars, academic journals and institutions in the Chinese scholarship community.
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Received: 06 January 2015
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