The relationship between ideas/theory, practical business and management experiences and evidence/empirical research is a complex and much disputed issue. This paper, through reflection on three different research experiences, highlights the problematic and complex nature of doing research in Irish organizations. A theoretical methodological framework is briefly outlined, and practical experiences from three research projects are commented upon within the prior assumptions underpinning the framework. An important fundamental issue is the question as to what is meant by scientific knowledge and truth and how this differs from common knowledge. Differences in research orientations/perspectives are acknowledged, and it is suggested that these differences emerge from the interplay between three core components of the research process: 1. dependency on existing theory, 2. the timing and specification of the research question, and 3. the collection and analysis of empirical evidence.