Theory Building in Applied Disciplines

Editor/Author Swanson, Richard A. and Chermack, Thomas J.
Publication Year: 2013
Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers

Single-User Purchase Price: $59.95
Unlimited-User Purchase Price: $89.93
ISBN: 978-1-60994-713-2
Category: Business, Finance & Economics - Business
Image Count: 20
Book Status: Available
Table of Contents

This book offers a complete, five-step method for developing sound, field-tested theory in applied disciplines. Unlike many existing methods, which cover only the initial conceptualization of a theory, the authors offer a complete approach, from conceptualizing a theory to creating relevant assessment criteria, establishing a research agenda to test the theorys validity, applying the theoretical concepts in the real world, and using that experience to further refine and improve the theory.

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Table of Contents

  • List of Figures
  • Preface
  • PART ONE FOUNDATIONS OF THEORY BUILDING
  • Preface
  • 1 To Hell with Gravity
  • 2 Foundations and Definitions of Theory Building
  • 3 General Method of Theory Building in Applied Disciplines Contributed by Susan A. Lynham
  • PART TWO PHASES OF THEORY BUILDING
  • Preface
  • 4 Conceptualize Phase
  • 5 Operationalize Phase
  • 6 Confirm Phase
  • 7 Apply Phase
  • 8 Refine Phase
  • PART THREE SUCCESSFUL THEORY BUILDING
  • Preface
  • 9 Case Example: Marsick and Watkins's Learning Organization Theory
  • 10 Case Example: Chermack's Scenario Planning Theory
  • 11 Figuring Out the Present Status of a Theory
  • 12 Whatcha Gonna Do?
  • References
  • About the Authors