The relevance of scholarly research is a core concern for many in the field of organizations and management, leading to an ever-growing body of literature on the topic. However, discussions regarding the challenges involved in attaining relevance, and the proposed solutions, tend to be repetitive, reflecting little progress. To address these difficulties, this paper is organized in three parts. First, through a problematizing review, we identify the use of the theory-practice gap as an overarching frame that drives the dominant discussions in the research relevance literature, and using that identification as a starting point, we organize the currently fragmented literature. Next, we delve deeper into three problematic assumptions that are produced through the use of the theory-practice gap as a framing device, offering a detailed critique. Finally, using our review and critique and drawing on essential insights from related literature to research relevance, we propose three alternative conceptualizations of relevance that respond directly to these shortcomings. We provide a path for future research by suggesting that research relevance can reconceptualized as practical utility, as a cyclical process, and as etched in organizational processes.
