Assumptions Concerning the Social Sciences A Comparative Perspective

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 ...