Is management science international: in search of universal rules

The generalizability of management science was investigated, in the light of the glaring absence of a universally accepted language and shared definitions that could be a basis of a universal contingency management theory. A review of 11 papers dealing with the subject revealed that management science approaches range from formal modeling to hypothesis testing using data. It was found that language, culture and fundamental beliefs were important factors. Truly universal rules are very few but some models and approaches can be adapted and applied internationally.