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Meanings of theory : clarifying theory through typification

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Sandberg, Jörgen and Alvesson, Mats (2021) Meanings of theory : clarifying theory through typification. Journal of Management Studies, 58 (2). pp. 487-516. doi:10.1111/joms.12587

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/joms.12587

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Abstract

Developing and evaluating scientific knowledge and its value requires a clear – or at least not too unclear – understanding of what ‘theory’ means. We argue that common definitions of theory are too restrictive, as they do not acknowledge the existence of multiple kinds of scientific knowledge, but largely recognize only one kind as ‘theory’, namely explanatory knowledge. We elaborate a typology that broadens and clarifies the meaning of ‘theory’. Consisting of five basic theory types – explaining, comprehending, ordering, enacting and provoking theories – the typology offers a framework that enables researchers to develop and assess knowledge in more varied ways and for a broader set of purposes than is typically recognized, as well as providing a more level playing field within the academic community.

Item Type: Journal Article
Alternative Title:
Divisions: Faculty of Social Sciences > Warwick Business School > Innovation, Knowledge & Organisational Networks Research Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences > Warwick Business School
Journal or Publication Title: Journal of Management Studies
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
ISSN: 0022-2380
Official Date: March 2021
Dates:
DateEvent
March 2021Published
11 May 2020Available
5 May 2020Accepted
Volume: 58
Number: 2
Page Range: pp. 487-516
DOI: 10.1111/joms.12587
Status: Peer Reviewed
Publication Status: Published
Reuse Statement (publisher, data, author rights): This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Sandberg, J. and Alvesson, M. (2020), Meanings of theory: clarifying theory through typification. J. Manage. Stud. doi:10.1111/joms.12587, which has been published in final form at http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/joms.12587. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions.
Access rights to Published version: Restricted or Subscription Access
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