L3 - The Role of Theory

Question 1

What is theory?

Answer 1

A system of ideas intended to explain something or “ An explanatory statement used to help explain and understand relations among variables, how they operate and the processes involved” (Kawuclick, 2016)

Question 2

What is a theory not? (Bacharach, 1989)

Answer 2

What is theory not?
• Theory is not data, typologies and metaphors
• Category systems in one or more dimensions (matrices)

Question 3

Explain when a theory is bounded and unbounded in time and space (Bacharach, 1989)

Answer 3

• Unbounded in time but bounded in space: That is, these theories are only applicable to specific types of organizations, but can be applied over different historical periods.
• Unbounded in space, but bounded in a specific temporal context: That is, they may be applicable to many types of organizations.

Question 4

A theory is evaluated upon two criteria (Bacharach, 1989). Explain the two

Answer 4

Falsifiability
• Determines whether a theory is constructed such that empirical refutation (modbevisning) is possible
o A theory can never be proven, only disproven.

Utility
• Refers to the usefulness of theoretical systems
o A theory is useful if it can both explain and predict

Question 5

Evaluating the conceptual coherence of a theory there are two qualitative dimensions to this fit (Bacharach, 1989).

Answer 5

Connectivity
• Refers to the ability of a new theory to bridge the gap between two or more different theories. In this way, new knowledge is created.

Transformability
• The theory is said to be transformational if it causes pre existing theories to be reevaluated in a new light

Question 6

How can theory be used in research? (Kawuclick, 2016)

Answer 6

Figure 3.2

Problem
Questions
Methodology
Data source
Data collection and analysis
Results 
Discussion

Question 7

Give an example on how theory affect choice of methods (Kawuclick, 2016)

Answer 7

Various subject area disciplines tend to favor particular methods for collecting data
• E.g. ethnographers tend to use interviews, participants observation and documents for data collection to learn about cultural constructs, while researchers focused on studies of group behavior may use focus group interviews or observation techniques to answer their questions

Question 8

Name the 5 reasons for why we need theory (Suddaby, 2014)

Answer 8

Knowledge accumulation, Knowledge abstraction, Normative value (ought to do), Creating a new reality, Legitimate knowledge

Question 9

Knowledge accumulation

Answer 9

• Empiricists value theory for its ability to capture and summarize the phenomenal world (positivistic)

Question 10

Knowledge abstraction

Answer 10

• Theory offers a perceptual lens that structures sensory experience
• Values theory for its logic
• Favour deduction over induction

Question 11

Normative value (ought to do)

Answer 11

• Embrace the notion that no theory is value free (political and moral assumptions)
• Value theory for its ability to create new reality

Question 12

Creating a new reality

Answer 12

• Constructs theories that contradict the view of the world given to us by empiricists and rationalist
• Articulate new possibilities for organizational behavior and managerial action

Question 13

Legitimate knowledge

Answer 13

• We need evidence for what we say

* Theory is seen as abstract knowledge