Assumptions Concerning the Social Sciences

Abstract

This paper comprises three major sections. The first section discusses modem social assumptions concerning the existence of human beings and their societies. It also explains the impact of these assumptions on organizational theory. The second section explores Islamic assumptions concerning these same two elements and explains a major attribute of Islamic organizations. The third section compares the above-mentioned assump tions of modem social science to those of Islam and illustrates that knowledge-transfer creates its own organizational and social problems. Modern Social Science Assumptions: Human Existence and Society In reviewing the modem science of human existence and society, Burrell and Morgan (1979) state that the relevant assumptions in this area can be viewed in the light of two strands of thought: nominalism and realism. Nominalism indicates that no real world structure exists outside of the individual’s concepts, ideas, and thoughts. This implies that reality is constructed by individuals and leads them to experience multiple realities (Lincoln and Guba 1985). Societies and external existants to individuals are merely names perceived individually (Taylor and Bodgon 1979). Societies, therefore, consist of individuals who have real existence and, without them, there would be no societies (Behechti and Bahonar 1990). According to nominalism, knowledge about multiple realities is gathered from individuals themselves ...