Theory: What it is, How to Search and Where to Write about the Theory?

Summary

This session delves into the significance of theories in research, particularly in business and management studies. Theories help explain why relationships between variables exist, moving beyond descriptive research. It discusses the difference between theoretical and conceptual frameworks and their roles in formulating hypotheses and explaining empirical findings. The session also guides researchers on how to search for and apply theories relevant to their studies, emphasizing the need to understand both 'how' and 'why' these relationships occur. Finally, it outlines how theories contribute to literature by integrating with empirical findings to explain observed behaviors and outcomes.

Takeaways

• 😀 A theory explains phenomena and helps clarify the relationships between variables, going beyond descriptive research.
• 😀 Theoretical frameworks and conceptual frameworks are related but distinct; theories provide explanations for relationships, while conceptual frameworks outline how concepts are related.
• 😀 Theories are essential in business and management research to support hypotheses and empirical findings.
• 😀 A theory not only proposes hypotheses but also explains why relationships between variables exist and how they work.
• 😀 Most research contributions require theoretical grounding, where findings must be explained by theory rather than merely described.
• 😀 Theories can be used to explain behaviors, such as why certain individuals or organizations act in particular ways or how specific factors influence outcomes.
• 😀 Key elements of a theory include: factors (constructs), interrelationships (how factors connect), the 'why' (why they are related), and boundary conditions (moderators, timing, and context).
• 😀 The 'who, where, and when' in a theory explain the boundary conditions that affect the proposed relationships.
• 😀 Searching for the right theory involves exploring literature to find theories that explain the relationships you want to study, and reviewing how others have used those theories.
• 😀 In research papers, theories are introduced in the introduction, explained in detail in the literature review, and integrated to demonstrate contributions to existing theory.

Q & A

What is the main difference between a theoretical framework and a conceptual framework?

A theoretical framework is based on established theories and explains why relationships between variables exist, while a conceptual framework visually represents the variables and their connections without necessarily providing a theoretical explanation.

Why is theory necessary in business and management research?

Theory is crucial because it helps explain the relationships between variables, supports empirical findings, and contributes to the academic literature by offering insights into why certain phenomena occur.

How does theory help explain relationships in research?

Theory not only explains the 'how' of relationships by showing the connection between variables but also clarifies the 'why' by providing reasons for these relationships, whether they are positive, negative, or non-existent.

What are the key elements of a theory, according to the script?

The key elements of a theory include the constructs or factors involved, how these factors are interrelated, why these factors are related (theoretical contribution), and the boundary conditions, which specify the context, level of analysis, and timing.

What role do boundary conditions play in a theory?

Boundary conditions help explain what might alter the prescribed relationships in the theory. They include moderators such as who the theory applies to (individual, organizational), where it applies (context or setting), and when it applies (timing).

How do researchers search for a relevant theory for their study?

Researchers search for relevant theories by using academic databases like Google Scholar, looking for papers that link similar concepts and examining the theories used in those studies. They can also search specific keywords or theories to find literature that fits their research model.

What is the importance of explaining the 'why' in theory-based research?

Explaining the 'why' in research is critical because it justifies the significance of the relationships being studied. Without a clear explanation of why the relationships exist, the research lacks theoretical contribution and does not add value to the literature.

How should a theory be introduced in a research paper?

A theory should be introduced in the introduction of the paper after identifying the research gap. The theoretical lens for the study should be briefly described, and its relevance to the study should be explained.

What is the process of contributing to theory in research?

Contributing to theory involves integrating the chosen theory with the concepts being studied. Researchers must show how the theory helps explain the relationships between variables and how their research extends or enhances the existing theoretical knowledge.

What is the significance of the 'literature review' when using theory in research?

The literature review provides the detailed application of the theory, demonstrating how it helps explain the research findings. It should also highlight how the study contributes to expanding or refining the theory, offering new insights or evidence.