Developing Theory and Theoretical Contributions
Aims
1. To have a basic understanding of management and organizational theory; what theory is, and what its core components are.
2. To develop reflective skills in theory development; including basic argumentation and the formulation of propositions, construct clarity and persuasive writing.
3. To develop creative skills in developing theory through specific forms of reasoning such as conceptual blending and counter-factual reasoning.
Information
Theory and theory development are seen as crucial to making meaningful academic contributions to bodies of knowledge in management and organizational research. Despite its prominence, the processes through which we theorize are often left implicit, and not typically discussed or taught in doctoral training programs. The course tries to address this very point; participants will through a series of exercises, practical assignments and readings be trained in ‘reading’ theory in journal articles, and will also develop skills in the development of theory as part of their own research.
Assessment
Paper-based assignment.
Materials
Reading list.
Additional info
The timetable for this course can be found in the EUR course guide.
ERIM PhD candidates and Research Master students can register for this course via Osiris Student.
External (non-ERIM) participants are welcome to this course. To register, please fill in the registration form and e-mail it to the ERIM Doctoral Office by four weeks prior to the start of the course. For external participants, the course fee is 260 euro per ECTS credit.
