Big Data – exceptionally large sets of often continuously generated heterogeneous observations that can be captured, aggregated, stored, and analysed – is at an inflection point. My contribution makes the case for acknowledging the disruption and opportunities arising through Big Data for advancing theory, research, and practice in the field of organizational and managerial research.
I argue that Big Data is outgrowing a techno-centric view; it is not about the technology but the unprecedented connection of information that potentially can be converted into something incredible meaningful. The paper by no means represents the final word on Big Data; instead, it is just the beginning.
This article is designed to define Big Data and present a SWOT analysis on the use of Big Data in organisational research. By integrating diverse scholarly and grey literature, the systematic review will discuss and evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats involved in pursuing Big Data research in the organisational sciences.
Doing so the paper will address the key drivers that enable and underpin the Big Data phenomenon; define what Big Data and its key characteristics; describe extant research employing Big Data; explain why the phenomenon moves increasingly into the focus of commercial enterprises, scientists, and governmental agencies; cover ethical, technical, and methodological challenges; and outline use cases for Big Data in organisational research.
It is concluded that Big Data is here and real, it will eventually become the norm, for organisations and individuals. As the Big Data phenomenon will become ubiquitous and technology more powerful, old problems will be solved, as much as new ones are created.
Ultimately the case is made that ASCPRI must take note, embrace and create the changes occurring through Big Data if it seeks to maintain the promotion and enhancement of social science research and methods in Australia. ACSPRI can take a leading role to propagate big data research across disciplines so others take note, foster interdisciplinary and interfaculty research projects, be creative beyond the usual boundaries of traditional fields and derive new, meaningful, and Big research.