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Reconciling Definitions of Theory: A Critical Examination of Conceptual Variances
Subject area: Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities · Area of research: Theoretical/Conceptual paper
Abstract
Theory is the mainstay of intellectual pursuit and remains disputable within the various academic traditions. It is defined differently depending on disciplinary orientation, epistemological stance, and methodological commitment. This article draws a critical review of the divergent perspectives that Wacker, Galtung, Cornelissen et al., Weick, and Thomas have brought regarding what constitutes a theory. It pits positivist approaches to testability with formal definition and methodological rigor against interpretivist and constructivist views which emphasize creativity, dynamism, and practical relevance. Whereas Wacker and Galtung see theory as a structured empirical building, Cornelissen et al. along with Weick lean toward theorizing as an evolving imaginative process. Scholars of Thomas ilk, root for a pragmatic perspective favoring the usefulness of theory in explaining real life challenges. Notwithstanding the divergent epistemological variations in their outlook on what theory is, these scholars are in agreement on the critical role it plays in advancing the body of knowledge. An evaluation of various paradigms, brings to the fore the multifaceted nature of theory to be both systematic and fluid, abstract and applicable with its dynamic nature, which ensures its indispensable role in research and application.
Keywords
Conceptual Frameworks, Epistemology, Interpretivism, Positivism, Pragmatism, Theory
References
[1] Cornelissen, J., Höllerer, M. A., & Seidl, D. (2021). What theory is and can be: Forms of theorizing in organizational scholarship. Organization Theory, 2(3). https://doi.org/10.1177/26317877211020328
[2] Crotty, M. (1998). The foundations of social research: Meaning and perspective in the research process (1st ed.). Sage Publications.
[3] Galtung, J. (1985). Theory and methods of social research. George Allen & Unwin.
[4] Nachmias, D., & Nachmias, C. (1996). Research methods in the social sciences (5th ed.). St. Martin’s Press.
[5] Kerlinger, F. N. (1986). Foundations of behavioral research (3rd ed.). Holt, Rinehart and Winston.
[6] Thomas, J. E. (2017). Scholarly views on theory: Its nature, practical application, and relation to worldview in business research. International Journal of Business and Management, 12(9),231.https://doi.org/10.5539/ijbm.v12n9p231
[7] Wacker, J. G. (1998). A definition of theory: Research guidelines for different theory-building research methods in operations management. Journal of OperationsManagement, 16(4),361–385.http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S02726963(98)00019-9
[8] Wacker, J. G. (2004). A theory of formal conceptual definitions: Developing theory-building measurement instruments. Journal of Operations Management, 22(6), 629–650.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jom.2004.08.002
[9] Weick, K. E. (1989). Theory construction as disciplined imagination. Academy of Management Review, 14(4), 516–531. http://doi.org/10.2307/258556
How to cite this paper
@article{1709393,
author = {Januaris Mbatha},
title = {Reconciling Definitions of Theory: A Critical Examination of Conceptual Variances},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2025},
volume = {8},
number = {12},
pages = {1486-1489},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1709393.pdf},
abstract = {Theory is the mainstay of intellectual pursuit and remains disputable within the various academic traditions. It is defined differently depending on disciplinary orientation, epistemological stance, and methodological commitment. This article draws a critical review of the divergent perspectives that Wacker, Galtung, Cornelissen et al., Weick, and Thomas have brought regarding what constitutes a theory. It pits positivist approaches to testability with formal definition and methodological rigor against interpretivist and constructivist views which emphasize creativity, dynamism, and practical relevance. Whereas Wacker and Galtung see theory as a structured empirical building, Cornelissen et al. along with Weick lean toward theorizing as an evolving imaginative process. Scholars of Thomas ilk, root for a pragmatic perspective favoring the usefulness of theory in explaining real life challenges. Notwithstanding the divergent epistemological variations in their outlook on what theory is, these scholars are in agreement on the critical role it plays in advancing the body of knowledge. An evaluation of various paradigms, brings to the fore the multifaceted nature of theory to be both systematic and fluid, abstract and applicable with its dynamic nature, which ensures its indispensable role in research and application. },
keywords = {Conceptual Frameworks, Epistemology, Interpretivism, Positivism, Pragmatism, Theory },
month = {June},
}