On the concept of universal knowledge in organizational science: Implications for cross-national research

This paper argues that the present conception of universal knowledge as generalized findings is incomplete and has limited the role of cross-national research to one of validating results obtained from single-nation studies. An alternative view is proposed which recognizes that there are two types of research findings that can be applied cross-nationally: (1) findings that are invariant across different national settings, and (2) findings that incorporate the societal context into the analysis of the phenomenon under study. This conception of universal knowledge is more inclusive in scope and suggests an expanded role for cross-national research in organizational inquiry. The new role will offer exciting opportunities for the field of organizational science, including its enhanced ability to discover knowledge that has both universal applicability and global relevance.