Organizational Behavioral Research: Theory Development

All research projects aim at making a theoretical contribution. However, several questions and challenges arise along the pathway of each research project, such as:

 What is a theoretical contribution?

 How do I know that I really have an innovative research idea?

 Do my methods match my aimed theoretical contribution?

 How do I write good theory?

 What do I have to consider when publishing theory?

 How do I meet ethical standards when publishing theory?

2) Identify different types of theoretical contributions

3) Describe the process of theory development

4) Distinguish different methods of theory development

5) Combine different theories

6) Evaluate the methodological fit between a theoretical contribution and the methods chosen

7) Write and publish theory