Putting AIM in context : Retrospective and prospective views on UK management research initiatives

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to critically review the relationship between management research and practice particularly in the UK. Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes the form of an historical survey of initiatives and different conceptual approaches. Findings – The paper reveals a central focus on the role of management consultants in mediating between management practice and management knowledge, Research limitations/implications – The paper is a partial and limited analysis of a complex process: more work is needed to untangle the various institutional roles and conceptual frameworks. Practical implications – Re‐framing the relationship between management research and practice to consider a greater emphasis on practice engaged scholarship and the two way process of knowledge translation. Originality/value – The paper encourages a new perspective amongst policy makers, researchers and management consultants.