GSM 6190

Theory in Management

Title

: What constitutes a theoretical contribution?

Authors

: David A.Whetten (University of Illinois)

Published : Academy of Management Review. 14(4):

490-495
By

: Megat Shariffudin b. Zulkifli (GM 03958)

Mohamad Razif b. Haji Abdul Mubin (GM 03956)

Introduction
The author:
explained the necessary ingredients of a theoretical
contribution
proposed several simple concepts on theory
development process
helped ease the communication problems regarding
expectation and standards of a good conceptual
writing

The article is divided into 3 sections:

What are the building blocks of theory development?
What is a legitimate value added contribution to theory
development?
What factors are considered in judging conceptual
papers?

What are the building blocks of theory development?

Theory must contain four essential elements:
What. which factors (variables, constructs, concepts)should be
considered as part of explanation of the social and individual
phenomena of interest?
Two right factors:
1- comprehensiveness (are all relevant factors included)
2- parsimony (should some factors be deleted because
they add little additional value to our understanding?)

How. How are the factors related? Operationally this

involves using arrows to connect the boxes. Order of
conceptualization by delineating patterns and introduces
causality.
How and what constitute the domain or subject of the
theory.

Why - What are the underlying psychological,

economic, or social dynamics that justify the selection of
factors and the proposed causal relationship? The
rational constitutes the theorys assumptions, the
theoretical glue that welds the model together
Who, Where, When set boundaries of generalizability
and constitute the range of the theory. Test the
generalizability of core propositions. Whether
theoretical effects vary over time.

What is a legitimate value added contribution to theory

development?
There are three broad themes:
1.Critiques should focus on multiple elements of the
theory.
Proposed improvements addressing only a single element
of an existing theory are seldom judged to be sufficient.

2.Theoretical critiques should marshal compelling

evidence
- logical: the theory is not internally consistent
- empirical: its predictions are inconsistent with the
data
accumulated from several studies
- epistemological: its assumption are invalid, given
information from another field
3.Theoretical critiques should propose remedies or
alternatives.
Critiques should share responsibility for crafting improved
conceptualizations.

What factors are considered in judging conceptual papers?

Whats new? - does the paper make a significant, value
added contribution to current thinking? Modification or
extensions of the current theories should alter extant/present
views in important ways. Its not necessarily looking for new
theories;
So what? - The purpose of the standard theoretical paper
should be to alter research practice, not simply to tweak a
conceptual model in ways that are of little consequences;

 Why so? Theory development papers should be built on a

foundation of convincing argumentation and grounded in
reasonable, explicit views of human nature and
organizational practice. Must be logic and supported by
compelling evidence.
Well done? Must reflect seasoned thinking, conveying
completeness and thoroughness. Multiple elements (what,
how, why, when-where-who) covered, well rounded.
Argument must be broad and current. No logical flaws.
Thought over an extended period of time. Informed by
extensive peer review.

 Done well? Must flow logically. Flow logically. Central ideas

easily accessed. Enjoyable to read. Proper length and format;
Why now? The topic of contemporary interest of scholars in
the area. Should advance current discussions, stimulate new
discussions, or revitalize old discussions. Should not
redundant, unconnected or antiquated; and
Who cares? Papers written on topics with narrow appeal are
of higher standard. They are expected to make a more
significant contribution to current thinking and research
practice.

Conclusion
Theory development process and criteria for judging
theoretical contributions need to be broadly understood so
that researchers/ contributors as well as reviewers/editors
can communicate effectively.

Thank you