What Constitutes a Theoretical Contribution?

Abstract

Since becoming editor of AMR, I have tried to find a simple way to communicate the neces-sary ingredients of a theoretical contribution. There are several excellent treatises on the sub-ject, but they typically involve terms and con-cepts that are difficult to incorporate into every-day communications with authors and review-ers. My experience has been that available frameworks are as likely to obfuscate, as they are to clarify, meaning. Besides exposure to the works of Kaplan, Dubin, and others varies widely across the Academy. This article is a rudimentary effort to fill this gap: The intent is not to create a new conceptu-alization of theory, but rather to propose several

Cite this

David A. Whetten (1989). What Constitutes a Theoretical Contribution?. Academy of Management Review. https://doi.org/10.2307/258554

@article{a1989what,
  title  = {What Constitutes a Theoretical Contribution?},
  author = {Whetten, David A.},
  year   = {1989},
  journal = {Academy of Management Review},
  doi    = {10.2307/258554}
}

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