Question

The passage given below is followed by four summaries. Choose the option that best captures the author’s position.
Production and legitimation of scientific knowledge can be approached from a number of perspectives. To study knowledge production from the sociology of professions perspective would mean a focus on the institutionalization of a body of knowledge. The professions-approach informed earlier research on managerial occupation, business schools and management knowledge. It however tends to reify institutional power structures in its understanding of the links between knowledge and authority. Knowledge production is restricted in the perspective to the selected members of the professional community, most notably to the university faculties and professional colleges. Power is understood as a negative mechanism, which prevents the non-professional actors from offering their ideas and information as legitimate knowledge.

• A. Professions-approach aims at the institutionalization of knowledge but restricts knowledge production as a function of a select few.
• B. The study of knowledge production can be done through many perspectives
• C. Professions-approach focuses on the creation of institutions of higher education and disciplines to promote knowledge production
• D. The professions-approach has been one of the most relied upon perspective in the study of management knowledge production.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The passage discusses different perspectives on the production and legitimation of scientific knowledge, specifically highlighting the professions-approach. This approach emphasizes the institutionalization of a body of knowledge and has been applied in research on managerial occupation, business schools, and management knowledge. However, it is critiqued for reifying institutional power structures, limiting knowledge production to select members within professional communities, like universities and professional colleges, and viewing power as a mechanism that excludes non-professional input.
The correct summary must capture the essence of this critique, focusing on the limitations imposed by the professions-approach on knowledge production.

The best summary is: Professions-approach aims at the institutionalization of knowledge but restricts knowledge production as a function of a select few. This captures both the institutional focus and the restrictive nature of the approach, addressing the issues of power and exclusivity discussed in the passage.