Theory development: originality, utility, and construct clarity

Theory Development

Nature and Use of Theory in Academic Research

Corley and Gioia (2001) call theory the, "currency of our scholarly realm" (p. 12). The authors further explain that theoretical contribution is a requirement for a manuscript to be considered for publication. It appears that all scholarly writing hinges on the theoretical worthiness of the material. Corley and Gioia defined theory as a statement of concepts and their interrelationships that together, demonstrate how or why something occurs (p. 12). This analysis establishes theory as a necessity of empirical research. However, as these authors point out, it is not enough simply to have a theory. The idea or concept must be original and have utility, alluding to the idea that it must serve some function. Originality and utility are necessary elements for the historical progression of theory in a field of study.

Construction Clarity

One of the most common reasons for rejection of a manuscript is that it lacks construct clarity. However, defining construct clarity often eludes even the reviewers. Suddaby (2010) considers four criteria necessary for construct clarity. These are (1) definitions, (2) scope conditions, (3) semantic relationships among those three constructs, and (4) coherence or the "logical consistency of the construct in relation to the overall theoretical argument" (p. 347). Suddaby defined a construct as a conceptual abstraction of a phenomenon they cannot be observed directly. They further defined as abstract statements of observations, which form the foundation of theory.

The first criteria for construct clarity is definition. Under this construct a uses language to create a precise categorical distinction between concepts. Suddaby further explains that a good definition must capture the essential properties and characteristics of the concept. A definition that does not accomplish this basic task fails the test of utility, as addressed by Corley and Gioia. If a construct cannot be clearly defined, then its usefulness cannot be defined either. If a construct does not capture the essential properties and characteristics of the concept, then it cannot result in an actionable solution to an existing problem.

The definition of a construct also affects its originality and ability to advance the field. Suddaby states that a good definition must try to capture the characteristics of a phenomenon as concisely as possible. Suddaby also states that it is possible to become so concise that it lacks relevance and cannot be generalized. The definition of the construct must set apart its originality from other constructs that have been developed in a particular field. As one can see the definition of the construct plays an important role in delineating the usefulness and originality of the construct. The definition can help to determine if the construct will be a useful addition to knowledge already existing in the field.

Delineating the scope conditions are another important criteria for construct clarity. This means delineating the contextual circumstances to which a construct will or will not apply. Scope conditions affect the ability to apply the theory to circumstances that may be different from the precise conditions in the empirical setting of the study. Scope conditions also have a limiting affect, creating a limited ability to apply the theory to other settings and environments. Scope conditions have a direct effect on the utility of the construct. Scope conditions define the utility of the construct in precise terms. They determine under what conditions the construct will be useful and under which ones it cannot be applied. Therefore, the theoretical conditions of Suddaby, as well as Corley and Gioia are inherently linked.

The third criteria for construct clarity is the ability to demonstrate semantic relationships to other related concepts. This is a necessary step for the theory to be considered original. By defining the relationships to other related concepts, evidence can be presented that the construct is original and has not been previously addressed. Finally, Suddaby finds that the construct must show logical consistency in relation to the overall argument that is being made. If this condition is not met, the construct will not be useful in solving the problem, a condition of Corley and Gioia.

Sutton and Straw (1995) consider theory to be a form of reasoning and logical arguments, in a form that goes back to the days of the ancient philosophers such as Aristotle. Early forms of theoretical argument did not have to undergo the rigors of empirical thought. They needed clarity and definition, but did not need to be tested or proven. By comparison, the theories of Corley and Gioia would not embrace the definition of theory put forth by Sutton and Straw to be of use in the formulation of theories. Sutton and Straw do not require comparison with other theories to be certain that they are original. It is also possible for theories to exist for the sake of theories, as defined by Sutton and Straw.

Weick (1995) finds that organizations and people try to make sense of the world around them through theory. Corley and Gioia do not explicitly address the question of "why." However, this concept is inherent within the concept of utility. If one does not ask the question "why?," a theory cannot advance beyond a simple observation. Corley and Gioia's concept of a theoretical contribution is focused on the end product and its ability to further knowledge in the field or to provide actionable solutions to a problem. Sutton and Straw consider theories to be a set of interlaced arguments, whereas Corley and Gioia considered theories to stand alone and be original, rather than basing the merit of the theory on those around it.

Throughout this exploration of the theory of theories, it is been found that several different viewpoints exist on the purpose and definition of a theory. Corley and Gioia focus on the utility and function of the theory too advanced knowledge. Sutton and Straw focus on theory and its interconnection to knowledge that already exists in the field. Originality is not a key concerned of Sutton and Straw, but is a concept upon which Corley and Gioia are dependent. Sutton and Straw carefully draw a distinct and between a hypothesis, or predictions, and strong theory. Predictions without logic are not considered theory. Corley and Gioia would agree on this point.

Inner Logic of the Corley and Gioia Article

As Jordan and Zanna note, though it is difficult to remember a series of seemingly disjointed facts, when these facts are joined together in a logical, narrative structure, they become easier to comprehend and recall. Thus, always remember that a research report tells a story. It will help you to organize the information you read, and remember it later. The purpose of an article is to convey the information a way that is useful in can be applied to situations in daily life. This overlaps with Corley and Gioia's concept that theories must advance practice in knowledge in their field.

The overarching idea of Corley and Gioia's article is that theory and practice must intersect. Theory and practice cannot be separated into two separate components. Data and analysis support theory but their emphasis on utility emphasizes its ability to transform theory into practice. Theory must be able to be adapted to situations that occur in organizational settings.

From this broad idea the authors develop a narrower set of questions. The first of these questions is how to define theory and what constitutes a theoretical contribution. The authors then address the question of originality as a requirement for theoretical contribution. The question of utility and the value that the theory adds is the next question to be addressed by the authors. In addressing the criteria for a theoretical contribution, the authors spend considerable time asking the question,"what us is this knowledge?" They ask how the theory contributes to the field or how it can be used.

Corley and Gioia explore at length, many different theorists on the topic of theory development. The authors did not rely on empirical research findings, as the topic did not lend itself to such methods. The purpose of the article was to explore present theory and the process of theory generation. They do not support their work through empirical research findings, or formal data collection techniques. Rather they develop their theory by examining qualitatively the works of others in the field and comparing it to their own observations. Their purpose was to better define the contribution that theoretical development can have in advancement of practical knowledge in organizations.

Corley and Gioia's work is both theoretical and practice oriented. They develop theories on the need for originality and utility for theoretical concepts. However their intent was to be able to apply these theories to real world situations and events. The authors do not believe that theory can exist simply for the sake of its own existence. The authors stress the utility and practicality of the knowledge in a given field. Their artiele lacks empirical data, as the topic does not lend itself to the rigors of quantitative testing. It is a practice oriented paper, as it addresses the ability to apply the concepts to real world situations, rather than relying on hypothetical situations to support its existence. The authors illustrate their points through the use of examples and antidotes that illustrate their key arguments.

Corley and Gioia rely on the works of other theorists and other and commentary based on both the academic world and on organizations that utilize the studies. They test their ideas through application to situations and through example. Their work is largely academic argument that explores some of the key problems that confront academic publishing and its ability to define the direction of our knowledge base. The authors explores what constitutes a theoretical construct, the authors also defined what a theoretical construct is not. However, they take a different approach than Sutton and Straw by staying away from the technical parts of the research study. Instead, and the talk about theoretical construct development in general terms that can be applied to different types of research studies.

Corley and Gioia indirectly blame academic reviewers for confining the advancement of theory. They discuss the idea of a certain popularity factor in the research field. When a topic becomes a popular point of discussion, articles that provide a slightly different viewpoint are more likely to be published in those that approach a subject that is completely unrelated and not as popular. The authors blame academic reviewers for confining theoretical development to that which is already known. Theories become popular and widely accepted, thus limiting the ability of theories that are counter theories to be introduced, as they are unlikely to be published.

Without directly stating it, the authors presented a dilemma that hinders the ability to present original ideas. Once a theory is properly seated within the academic community, it can be difficult to displace, even in light of convincing evidence that it may not be true. Corley and Gioia do note that academic journals will be more responsive to articles on a popular topic or theory if they present practical application of the theory to a problem. They make the point that authors are often dissuaded from articles that rely too heavily on practical application rather than theoretical development. However, under the argument presented by Corley and Gioia, this undermines the purpose of theoretical development as a whole.

The implications of Corley and Gioia's work is a call for the academic community to return to its original purpose. The purpose of academic research is to provide solutions to today's problems. Theory is not a solution in and of itself. It is a tool for the development of practical solutions that confront today society. A theory that does not have utility cannot lead to advances and solutions to problems. The problem under investigation is to determine what constitutes a theoretical construct and how to determine if the construct has merit and is worthy of academic attention. They contribute to our understanding of the problem representing two conditions that theories must consider in order to help advance knowledge in the chosen field.

Corley and Gioia help to bring a greater understanding of how the world of academics intersects with the professional world. They bring to light a greater understanding and definition of the rules of academia and organization. The world of academia and the professional world are intimately linked through a need for advancement of knowledge. The authors remind the academic world that they do not exist solely on their own accord but they exist as a support network for the advancement of the professional world. The inner logic of Corley and Gioia relies on the intimacy of this relationship.

Corley and Gioia help bring a deeper understanding of what constitutes strong theoretical development. By doing so, they also help to better define what constitutes week theoretical development. The authors took a different approach than many of their contemporaries who addressed the same subject. The authos emphasize the importance of theory beyond the ability to generate conversation. This work has greater implications beyond the academic field. Their purpose was to tie, or perhaps to reiterate, the bond between the academic world and the professional world.