That’s replicable: building cumulative knowledge in the face of fads, obsessions and malpractices

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an incisive commentary on the role of replication in advancing knowledge accumulation in organizational science. For research to be credible, it must be replicable. However, replication studies are seldom published in high-quality management research journals. Drawing on insights from other disciplines, this essay offers a critical analysis of the replication process. The central conclusion of the essay is that replication should be firmly integrated into the scientific process within management and related fields. Doing so will not only advance robust and reliable theories but also yield valuable lessons for managerial practice and inform sound policymaking. Design/methodology/approach To structure the argument that replication ensures the validation of theories, refinement of methodologies and greater applicability of research findings, this essay uses Simon Sinek’s Why, How and What framework to highlight the essential role of replication research in advancing management studies. By addressing why replication is critical, how it can be effectively conducted and what the authors can do to promote replication research in organizational studies, the essay underscores its importance in building a reliable and credible foundation for knowledge. Findings Replication serves as a cornerstone of academic rigor, promoting the cumulative growth of knowledge. This essay outlines the essential steps for conducting robust replications of prior research through three approaches: literal, operational and constructive replication. Furthermore, it proposes actionable strategies for individual, doctoral programs and institutions (i.e. journals and conferences) to enhance transparency and accountability in management research by leveraging replication as a critical tool. Originality/value The originality of this essay lies in addressing the underrepresentation of replication research in management, despite its critical role in ensuring scientific rigor. Drawing insights from different disciplines, it provides a framework for conducting replication studies, emphasizing their value in validating theories and bridging the gap between research and practice. By proposing actionable steps for fostering a culture of replication, the essay advocates for increased transparency and accountability in management research. Its main contribution lies in highlighting the necessity of replication as a foundation for robust theory-building, practical insights and evidence-based policymaking, enhancing the credibility of the field.