Abstract:

In the context of unprecedented global changes， the goal of fully building a modern socialist country has been recognized as requiring the guidance of an China’s independent knowledge system. Scholars in China’s management field have actively sought to develop a uniquely China’s management knowledge framework. Time-space theory is grounded in the fundamental concepts of “time” and “space”， establishing a systematic framework to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of individual and organizational thinking and actions. This theory offers a novel perspective for addressing complex management challenges and is widely applied across various fields. The purpose of this study is to summarize and analyze the research development and application status， conceptual framework， and future research directions of time-space theory. A literature review and theoretical research methods are employed to examine the research and application status， conceptual framework， and future research directions of time-space theory. It is structured as follows in this paper： first， the research development and application status of time-space theory since its introduction in 2016 is reviewed. Next， the content of time-space theory is systematically outlined， covering its core concepts and applications in fields such as leadership and management， personal growth， individual learning， organizational learning and organizational development. Subsequently， the discussion focuses on how time-space theory challenges traditional Western management paradigms by reinterpreting management issues through a time-space perspective， enabling managers to optimize decision-making and effectively guide organizational growth， thereby providing a novel theoretical framework to unlock individual and organizational potential. It is suggested that future research on time-space theory should prioritize six areas： first， deepening the study and application of existing concepts and perspectives within time-space theory； second， broadening its research and applications across diverse fields； third， conducting qualitative studies to further explore time-space interpretations and predictions of real-world events； fourth， undertaking quantitative research to further enrich and develop time-space theory； fifth， promoting practical applications of time-space theory in key areas relevant to national development and public welfare； and sixth， promoting the spread and application of time-space theory in the world. Time-space theory represents a transformative paradigm shift in management research， advancing the field and supporting the development of an China’s independent knowledge system. It aims to contribute to the establishment of impactful management theories originating from China， enabling Chinese management theories to gain recognition and influence in the global academic community.

Key words: time-space theory, research paradigm, China’s independent knowledge system