The future of qualitative research: unity, fragmentation or pluralism?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to argue that in order to maintain the legitimacy of qualitative management research it is important to re-emphasise the link between epistemology and methodology and recognise that different knowledge-constituting assumptions can underpin what might on the surface seem to be very similar methodologies. This means that the ways in which any research is evaluated needs to be tied explicitly to the underlying philosophical assumptions at play and those involved in undertaking, judging and publishing research need to show increased awareness in the philosophical assumptions which underpin their judgements of research quality and a willingness to accept difference. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is a discussion piece. Findings – This is a discussion piece. Originality/value – The paper aims to contribute to the debate concerning the future of qualitative methods in management research.