Scientific Misinformation in the Light of the Smart World and Smart Organizations. Imperatives and Challenges

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the article is to focus on the topic of scientific misinformation, addressing key concepts and related issues covered over the last decade in publications in the following databases: Emerald, Ebsco, and Springer. The authors attempt to answer the question on the causes of the emergence of fake science and draw attention to the consequences of pseudoscience in the smart world shaped by technological advances in the fourth industrial revolution. As a􀁢 practical premise, the article discusses the methods of combating pseudoscience and refers to the measures undertaken in this matter. Design/methodology/approach: The method of desk research; the frequency analysis of misinformationrelated terms, especially in the context of the smart world and smart organizations. Findings: The analyses of the theoretical aspect of fake science lead to the conclusion that due to the complexity of the phenomenon and significant negative social impact, the issue of scientific misinformation requires further empirical exploration as it remains a􀁢 challenge for all stakeholders in society, organizations themselves included. The need to challenge false science is especially essential in􀁢the context of internetworked and knowledge-driven, smart organizations, which are becoming popular in the smart world. As information can be distorted, exaggerated, or fabricated to mislead recipients on purpose, organizations need to get involved in the prevention of misinformation as well. Research limitations/implications: It should be emphasized that this article is a􀁢theoretical introduction to the problem of scientific misinformation which requires further research on the reliability of scientific studies, especially in the field of institutional structures that enable the publication of works and data of low scientific quality. Originality/value: The article touches upon an essential and current issue for the field of both management science and organizations, although it should be treated as just an introduction to the problem concerned.

Keywords

• smart world
• industry 4.0
• smart organization
• pseudoscience
• fake news
• predatory journals
• cognitive bias
• misinformation