Theory Construction as Disciplined Imagination
TL;DR: The process of theory construction in organizational studies is portrayed as imagination disciplined by evolutionary processes analogous to artificial selection as mentioned in this paper, and the quality of theory produced is predicted to vary as a function of the accuracy and detail present in the problem statement that triggers theory building, the number of and independence among the conjectures that attempt to solve the problem, and the number and diversity of selection criteria used to test the conjecture.
Abstract: The process of theory construction in organizational studies is portrayed as imagination disciplined by evolutionary processes analogous to artificial selection. The quality of theory produced is predicted to vary as a function of the accuracy and detail present in the problem statement that triggers theory building, the number of and independence among the conjectures that attempt to solve the problem, and the number and diversity of selection criteria used to test the conjectures. It is argued that interest is a substitute for validation during theory construction, middle range theories are a necessity if the process is to be kept manageable, and representations such as metaphors are inevitable, given the complexity of the subject matter.
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TL;DR: The nature of the core capabilities of a firm is examined, focusing in particular on their interaction with new product and process development projects, and two new concepts about core capabilities are explored here.
Abstract: This paper examines the nature of the core capabilities of a firm, focusing in particular on their interaction with new product and process development projects. Two new concepts about core capabilities are explored here. First, while core capabilities are traditionally treated as clusters of distinct technical systems, skills, and managerial systems, these dimensions of capabilities are deeply rooted in values, which constitute an often overlooked but critical fourth dimension. Second, traditional core capabilities have a down side that inhibits innovation, here called core rigidities. Managers of new product and process development projects thus face a paradox: how to take advantage of core capabilities without being hampered by their dysfunctional flip side. Such projects play an important role in emerging strategies by highlighting the need for change and leading the way. Twenty case studies of new product and process development projects in five firms provide illustrative data.
6,310 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe and compare a number of alternative generic strategies for the analysis of process data, looking at the consequences of these strategies for emerging theories, and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the strategies in terms of their capacity to generate theory that is accurate, parsimonious, general, and useful.
Abstract: In this article I describe and compare a number of alternative generic strategies for the analysis of process data, looking at the consequences of these strategies for emerging theories. I evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the strategies in terms of their capacity to generate theory that is accurate, parsimonious, general, and useful and suggest that method and theory are inextricably intertwined, that multiple strategies are often advisable, and that no analysis strategy will produce theory without an uncodifiable creative leap, however small. Finally, I argue that there is room in the organizational research literature for more openness within the academic community toward a variety of forms of coupling between theory and data.
5,218 citations
Cites background from "Theory Construction as Disciplined ..."
...Whatever strategy is used, there will always be an uncodifiable step that relies on the insight and imagination of the researcher (Weick, 1989)....
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that academic research related to the conduct of business and management has had some very significant and negative influences on the practice of management, and that these influences have had a negative impact on the management practice.
Abstract: This article argues that academic research related to the conduct of business and management has had some very significant and negative influences on the practice of management. These influences ha...
3,299 citations
Cites background from "Theory Construction as Disciplined ..."
...Scholarship of common sense is the epistemology of disciplined imagination, as advocated by Karl Weick (1989), and not the epistemology of formalized falsification that was the doctrine of Karl Popper (1968)....
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...The only alternative to any form of ideological absolutism lies in intellectual pluralism, which is likely to lead both to better research (Weick, 1989) and to broadened usefulness (Lawrence, 1992)....
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TL;DR: In this article, a large-scale literature review and use conceptual theory building to introduce the concept of sustainability to the field of supply chain management and demonstrate the relationships among environmental, social, and economic performance within a supply chain context.
Abstract: Purpose – The authors perform a large‐scale literature review and use conceptual theory building to introduce the concept of sustainability to the field of supply chain management and demonstrate the relationships among environmental, social, and economic performance within a supply chain management context.Design/methodology/approach – Conceptual theory building is used to develop a framework and propositions representing a middle theory of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM).Findings – The authors introduce the concept of sustainability – the integration of environmental, social, and economic criteria that allow an organization to achieve long‐term economic viability – to the logistics literature, and position sustainability within the broader rubric of SSCM. They then present a framework of SSCM and develop research propositions based on resource dependence theory, transaction cost economics, population ecology, and the resource‐based view of the firm. The authors conclude by discussing manageri...
3,093 citations
Cites background or methods from "Theory Construction as Disciplined ..."
...While the framework meets many of the components of a theory – specifically definitions of key concepts and posited relationships among those concepts (Weick, 1989) – frameworks derived through conceptual theory building are considered “pre-theories” (Meredith, 1993, p....
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...The paper’s theoretical framework (Meredith, 1993), also referred to as a “middle range theory” (Weick, 1989), attempts to meet the criteria of a good theory, defined by Weick (1989, p....
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...The authors answer the paper’s research questions by conducting a large-scale literature review and subsequently using conceptual theory building (Meredith, 1993; Weick, 1989) to develop a framework of SSCM, along with related research propositions....
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...7) or “middle theories” (Weick, 1989) and the transition from framework to formal theory occurs as “frameworks are tested against reality until they are eventually developed into theories as research study builds upon research study,” (Campbell, 1974, p....
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TL;DR: The essay addresses issues of causality, explanation, prediction, and generalization that underlie an understanding of theory, and suggests that the type of theory under development can influence the choice of an epistemological approach.
Abstract: The aim of this research essay is to examine the structural nature of theory in Information Systems. Despite the importance of theory, questions relating to its form and structure are neglected in comparison with questions relating to epistemology. The essay addresses issues of causality, explanation, prediction, and generalization that underlie an understanding of theory. A taxonomy is proposed that classifies information systems theories with respect to the manner in which four central goals are addressed: analysis, explanation, prediction, and prescription. Five interrelated types of theory are distinguished: (1) theory for analyzing, (2) theory for explaining, (3) theory for predicting, (4) theory for explaining and predicting, and (5) theory for design and action. Examples illustrate the nature of each theory type. The applicability of the taxonomy is demonstrated by classifying a sample of journal articles. The paper contributes by showing that multiple views of theory exist and by exposing the assumptions underlying different viewpoints. In addition, it is suggested that the type of theory under development can influence the choice of an epistemological approach. Support is given for the legitimacy and value of each theory type. The building of integrated bodies of theory that encompass all theory types is advocated.
3,070 citations
Cites background from "Theory Construction as Disciplined ..."
...What are the history and sociology of theory evolution?...
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...Descriptions of theory in the social sciences can also be found in Dubin (1978), Freese (1980), Kaplan (1964), Merton (1967) and Weick (1989)....
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References
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Book•
01 Jan 1962
TL;DR: The Structure of Scientific Revolutions as discussed by the authors is a seminal work in the history of science and philosophy of science, and it has been widely cited as a major source of inspiration for the present generation of scientists.
Abstract: A good book may have the power to change the way we see the world, but a great book actually becomes part of our daily consciousness, pervading our thinking to the point that we take it for granted, and we forget how provocative and challenging its ideas once were-and still are. "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions" is that kind of book. When it was first published in 1962, it was a landmark event in the history and philosophy of science. And fifty years later, it still has many lessons to teach. With "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions", Kuhn challenged long-standing linear notions of scientific progress, arguing that transformative ideas don't arise from the day-to-day, gradual process of experimentation and data accumulation, but that revolutions in science, those breakthrough moments that disrupt accepted thinking and offer unanticipated ideas, occur outside of "normal science," as he called it. Though Kuhn was writing when physics ruled the sciences, his ideas on how scientific revolutions bring order to the anomalies that amass over time in research experiments are still instructive in our biotech age. This new edition of Kuhn's essential work in the history of science includes an insightful introductory essay by Ian Hacking that clarifies terms popularized by Kuhn, including paradigm and incommensurability, and applies Kuhn's ideas to the science of today. Usefully keyed to the separate sections of the book, Hacking's essay provides important background information as well as a contemporary context. Newly designed, with an expanded index, this edition will be eagerly welcomed by the next generation of readers seeking to understand the history of our perspectives on science.
36,808 citations
"Theory Construction as Disciplined ..." refers background in this paper
...Kuhn (1962), in fact, made his reputation on this very difficulty, namely, that thought trials tend toward homogeneity and create paradigms....
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34,393 citations
TL;DR: An up-to-date handbook on conceptual and methodological issues relevant to the study of industrial and organizational behavior is presented in this paper, which covers substantive issues at both the individual and organizational level in both theoretical and practical terms.
Abstract: An up-to-date handbook on conceptual and methodological issues relevant to the study of industrial and organizational behavior. Chapters contributed by leading experts from the academic and business communities cover substantive issues at both the individual and organizational level, in both theoretical and practical terms.
7,809 citations
Book•
01 Jan 1988
TL;DR: JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms of scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact support@jstor.org.. The University of Chicago Press is collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access to American Journal of Sociology.
4,950 citations
"Theory Construction as Disciplined ..." refers background in this paper
...Many problems that spur theory construction originate in some form of narrative (Polanyi, 1989; Polkinghorne, 1988)....
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