The Meaning Of Theoretical Contribution

The Foundation Of
Theory Development 2:
Individual Assignment (20%)
Summarize two theories which you have
identified suitable for your study
Justify how these theories apply to your
studys framework
Explain the theoretical contributions that may
result from your study
Less than 5 pages (1.5 spacing, Times:12)
Due date: The last week of the course (27/6)
Introduction
Recap: What is theory
Explanation in making sense of a phenomena
a system of constructs and variables in which the
constructs are related to each other by
propositions and the variables are related to each
other by hypotheses (Bacharach, 1989).
Must have originality and utility (Corley & Gioia,
2011)
Originality Incremental insights vs. Revelatory
insights
Utility Practically useful vs. Scientifically useful

Introduction (contd)
PhD scholar usually comes out with
theoretical contributions, not generate a new
theory

Usual Comments
it was not apparent how this study advances
management theory and practice.
In my view, this paper emerges without a
compelling motivation.
the core topic of the paper is not motivated
wellit is not clear why this study is needed.
Why would we be interested in this study?
You tell us what you did but not why you did it.
it is not clear what the gap that you are trying
to address is and what motivates you to
address it.

Source: Combs, J. (2011). Making a theoretical contribution in empirical research, retrieved from
api.ning.com/files/...Jz/TheoreticalContributionPhdProject811.ppt
WHAT IS NOT THEORETICAL
CONTRIBUTION?
Naming/applying theory to a new
framework/context citing relevant authors
that developed or tested the theory
Studying the understudied - For example, you
suggest that strategy research is deficient, the
strategy literature has largely neglected no
significant study has included, and so on.
Testing the theory not adding value
Offer empirical contribution not theoretical
contribution


Source: Combs, J. (2011). Making a theoretical contribution in empirical research, retrieved from
api.ning.com/files/...Jz/TheoreticalContributionPhdProject811.ppt
WHAT IS THEORETICAL
CONTRIBUTION?
Identifying factors that moderate or mediate key
relationships (e.g., Miller & Shamsie, 1996,
AMJ; Baum & Wally, 2003, SMJ).
Developing the logic that reconciles predictions
from competing theories (e.g., Combs & Skill,
2003, AMJ: Deephouse, 1999, SMJ)
Applying a theory to explain a complex
relationship (i.e., Haleblian & Finkelstein, 1999,
ASQ).

Source: Combs, J. (2011). Making a theoretical contribution in empirical research, retrieved from
api.ning.com/files/...Jz/TheoreticalContributionPhdProject811.ppt
WHAT IS THEORETICAL
CONTRIBUTION?
Extending a theory to explain a phenomenon where
it has not previously been applied before or a new
phenomena (Chatterjee & Hambrick, 2007, ASQ; Combs, Michael,
Castrogiovanni, 2009, JoM)
Explaining a theorys boundary conditions (e.g., Ray,
Barney, & Muhanna, 2004, SMJ; Shervani, Frazier,
& Challagalla, 2007, SMJ)
Developing logic to explain a phenomena that is not
consistent (or seems inconsistent) with a theory
(Knott, 2003, SMJ; Sanders & Hambrick, 2007, AMJ).
Introducing a new construct and explaining how
it relates to important constructs (Finkelstein &
Boyd, 1998, AMJ; Baker & Nelson, 2005, ASQ)

Source: Combs, J. (2011). Making a theoretical contribution in empirical research, retrieved from
api.ning.com/files/...Jz/TheoreticalContributionPhdProject811.ppt
David Whetten (1989)
What
Adding or subtracting factors from a model not
sufficient; thus, you need to show,
How
Show how this change affects the accepted
relationships significantly change the overall
understanding of the phenomenon by reorganizing
our causal maps
Why
Challenging the underlying rationale that supports a
theory
Borrow theories from different fields
The most fruitful but difficult avenue for theoretical
development


David Whetten (1989) contd
Who, when, where
Generally not enough to point out limitations in
the current theoretical applications

So?
Focus on multiple elements of an existing theory
Marshall compelling evidence
Propose remedies or alternatives