This book provides management research students with an in-depth introduction to five key research concepts and to the constellation of ideas in which they are situated. The book is intended as a companion to the research methods text, Research Skills for Management Studies (Routledge, 2003). Unlike that volume, which provides a comprehensive overview of all aspects of the research process, this book does not deal with research techniques. Rather it focuses upon central ideas which it is rarely possible to explore or discuss in any depth in conventional research methods texts. These fundamental ideas or concepts are: Knowledge, Theory, Data, Validity, and Significance. The intention is to improve the student's appreciation of the subtle and dynamic nature of the meanings of these foundational concepts which are often taken much more for granted than they should be. An essential text for all those involved in researching or studying business and management, and for those who teach the subject.