This book focuses on developing a cogent theory that leads to the specification of a hypothesis that can be taken up for subsequent empirical examination. It is a concise and holistic guide to theory building for such hypothesis specification. This volume breaks down the process of theory building into its component steps and explains each of them, starting with formative concepts of theory, units of theory, principles and processes of theory, to explaining theory building for hypothesis specification in organizational studies. The uniqueness of the book lies in its focus on theory building for the specific purpose of hypothesis creation rather than for propounding any grand idea or concept. It is enhanced with insightful texts and citations of thinkers and researchers of international repute.
Author(s): Badrinarayan Shankar Pawar
Year: 2009
Language: English
Pages: 160
About the Author......Page 8
Contents......Page 10
List of Figures......Page 14
Preface......Page 16
Acknowledgments......Page 20
1 - An Introduction to Theory Building and This Book......Page 21
2 - Theory in the Broader Context of Reality, Knowledge, Science, and Research......Page 34
3 - Theory: What It Is and Its Role in Research......Page 45
4 - Units of Theory......Page 56
5 - Some Aspects of the Process of Theory Building for Hypothesis Specification......Page 84
6 - Theory Building for Hypothesis Specification: Observations and Examples from Published Research......Page 117
7 - Theory Building for Hypothesis Specification: Some Extensions......Page 129
References......Page 143
Author Index......Page 147
Subject Index......Page 149
