On management ideas, horses, practices and courses

Abstract

This paper develops a conceptual multi-epistemological framework that contributes to the understanding of the relationships between ideas and its associated practices when they are applied in different contexts. Two key relationships were characterised. Category I relations between management ideas and its associated practices before landing in particular contexts, seems to evolve in particular patterns. Category II relations emerge when management ideas are put into practice within and across contexts. Those relations seem to possess a contradictory unstable character called antinomy relationships. We argue these relationships constitute liminal spaces containing significant potential for both disruption and solution spaces. Finally, it was argued that category I and II relationships are totally detached, since the rational for idea/practice migration seems to be unrelated to the idea-practice relationship. Implications for research and management are raised.