HYPOTHETICO-DEDUCTIVE METHOD IN MANAGEMENT SCIENCES: ITS DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION

Purpose:The aim of this article is to analyze the hypothetical-deductive method (HD) in its applications in management sciences.This method is studied from the perspective of the general methodology of sciences, with particular emphasis on the specificity of management sciences.The path that led to the development of the HD method is also outlined.Design/methodology/approach: The article analyzes selected literature on both general methodology of science and works in which the subject of analysis is the hypothetical-deductive method applied to research in management sciences.Findings: The hypothetico-deductive method is a cornerstone of scientific inquiry, including in management sciences, where it facilitates structured hypothesis testing and decision-making.This method involves formulating hypotheses based on observations and then testing these through experiments or further observations to confirm or falsify them.Its application in management sciences has been pivotal in advancing the field, providing a systematic approach to problem-solving and decision-making. Research limitations/implications:The article refers to a limited number of studies.Historically, the hypothetico-deductive method has dominated management and organizational studies, driving significant progress by providing a structured framework for research and analysis.Originality/value: The article is devoted to the analysis of the hypothetico-deductive method as, on the one hand, one of the basic methods used in the general methodology of sciences and, on the other hand, as a basic method also used in management science.The scientific status of management sciences is mainly based on the application of this method although it is not the only method used in these sciences.The analyses conducted indicate the place of management sciences in the whole of science understood as a certain historical product.