THEORY IN MANAGEMENT

Anuj Vijay BhatiaF1401

THEORY• Simplified representation of limited part of

reality.• Human Effort• Orderly depiction of phenomenon• Only Part of Reality• Role of Science and Theory:

▫Description▫Explanation

Theory represents relation between concepts and constructs which explains part of reality.

• Concepts:▫ An Abstract Idea▫ Represents Fundamental Characteristics

• Construct:▫ Proposed Attribute▫ Can only be inferred▫ Cannot be measured directly▫ Assessed by using indicators or variables▫ Example: Intelligence, Satisfaction, Ethics

• Variables:▫ Quantity or Quality that varies▫ It is what will be measured

•Science aims at generating knowledge.•Research is a form of generating

knowledge.

What Constitutes a Theoretical Contribution?- David A. Whetton

What are the building blocks of theory development?

Constituent Elements of Theory Development:

▫ What?▫ How ?▫ Why?▫ Who, Where and When?

What?•Factors:

▫Variables▫Constructs▫Concepts

•Are they giving Explanation?•Comprehensiveness•Parsimony

How?•How are factors connected?•Conceptualization & delineating

patterns•What and How: Domain of a Theory•Complex?

▫Depict it Graphically•Comprehensiveness vs. Parsimony

Why?• Justification of Factors

▫Psychological, Economic & Social Dynamics

▫Causal relationships• Theory’s Assumptions

▫Glue that weld’s model together.• Judging reasonableness of conceptualization• Empirically verified theory – Teach• Don’t rewrite – Challenge

▫ What are the reconstituted Whats and Hows?• What and How Describes, Why Explains.

Who, Where and When?• Limitations on propositions• Temporal and Contextual Factors• Boundaries of Genralizability • Range of theory

What is a Legitimate, Value-Added Contribution to Theory-Development• What and How?

▫Not variables, but relationships▫Collection of stones is not a home▫How new variables alter understanding?▫Inconsistency between data and

Conventional Wisdom- Challenge Theory• Why?

▫Borrow perspective from other fields.▫Alter Metaphors ▫Challenge Underlying Rationale

•Who, When and Where?▫Pointing out the limitations – not

Enough▫Understand Why this Anomaly Exists.▫Revise the What and How of Model.▫Theory Feedback Loop▫Learn new from theory itself.

What Factors Are Considered in Judging Conceptual Papers?

•What’s New?•So What?•Why So?•Well Done?•Done Well?•Why Now?•Who Cares?

Thank You…