Organizational Behavioral Research: Theory Development

In this course, we will discuss the art of theory building in organizational behavioral research. Thereby, we focus on behavioral theories that are applied within the management arena, behavioral economics are NOT discussed in this course.

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