The paper presents an approach helping to create a big picture view of the different information pieces involved into research. The approach is based on the use of modern visual knowledge mapping techniques. The focus of this paper is on applying systems thinking and visual metaphors for generalization of the selected research domain of management research. The visualization techniques serve not only to present the results of research analysis and to illustrate generative/analytical techniques representing the data. They are providing insight and communicative tools forming the context essential for the understanding and implementation of the research results and further discussions. Our aim is to give advice on how we can improve general understanding by using visual metaphors for different data, knowledge category and purposes. Examples for the use of this classification system for a big picture view of management research are presented. Specific examples are illustrated by concept maps, mind maps and Ishikawa diagrams. This paper is considering the design science research approach and systems thinking. It is focused on the differentiated question-based aspects depending on knowledge type and the visualization techniques. We split the research knowledge domain into seven main categories of knowledge: what, what for, how to, who, where, when, and why. Each of these categories could be better presented by a different visual knowledge codification technique, enabling to create a set of diagrams for the development a big picture view of management research. This research puts in evidence on the issue of big picture thinking with the use of visualization technique for the knowledge domain of management research. Different stages of research work are exploiting various complex cognitive processes. Research is a collective work and joint understanding and knowledge sharing are essential for the success. Decomposing research tasks ranging from writing a paper to creating a grant application often results in a comprehensive set of subtasks that have complex dependencies on each other. Visual approach simplifies all the above-mentioned difficulties by creating the illustrations and simplifications of the pieces. Described big picture visual approach may help young researchers and knowledge analysts to accomplish, to present and to share their results in the research community. This will also help other researchers to interpret the meanings of the concepts correctly, avoiding the cases of semantic ambiguity.