Underpinnings of Conceptual Development : How to Select a Theory to Address a Research Question

Research output: Chapters, Conference Papers, Creative and Literary WorksRGC 32 - Refereed conference paper (with host publication)peer-review

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Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAcademy of Management Proceedings
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2022

Publication series

NameAcademy of Management Proceedings
Number1
Volume2022
ISSN (Print)0065-0668
ISSN (electronic)2151-6561

Conference

Title82nd Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management (AOM 2022)
LocationHybrid
PlaceUnited States
CitySeattle
Period5 - 9 August 2022

Abstract

Theories are essential for addressing research questions and extending knowledge boundaries. However, in the area of strategic management, disciplines such as economics, politics, and sociology create pressure on researchers who endeavor to develop theories for argumentation and theorization. In this paper, we extend and revitalize the phenomenological /ontological /rhetorical approach to dealing with theory development. Specifically, we suggest that a research question should first clarify its central focus on the fundamental phenomenological questions it is attempting to address in the strategic management field. Then, the premise should clearly identify the ontological assumptions and premises that link the research question to existing theories. Finally, the identification and abstraction of rhetorical concepts derived from these assumptions and premises lead to theory selection criteria: connectedness, reliability, parsimoniousness, and falsifiability.

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Research Unit(s) information for this publication is provided by the author(s) concerned.

Citation Format(s)

Underpinnings of Conceptual Development: How to Select a Theory to Address a Research Question. / Hou, Tianyu; LI, Juan Julie.
Academy of Management Proceedings. 2022. (Academy of Management Proceedings; Vol. 2022, No. 1).

Research output: Chapters, Conference Papers, Creative and Literary WorksRGC 32 - Refereed conference paper (with host publication)peer-review