This Thing Called “Theory”

Per Davidsson
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Per Davidsson: Queensland University of Technology

Chapter 3 in Researching Entrepreneurship, 2016, pp 41-73 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract How and why can theory help us understand entrepreneurial phenomena? The contemplative nature of theory may seem antithetical to the bold action associated with entrepreneurship. Theory is important in research because it is the abstracted and reflected sensemaking of theory that makes empirical observations meaningful. However, an exaggerated focus on “theoretical contributions” can also hamper the development of a scholarly field. This chapter discusses what theory is and is not, its various roles in the research process, and the pros and cons of focusing on theory. The specific requirements on theoretical tools suitable for the study of entrepreneurship are also considered.

Keywords: Behavioral Control; Theory Test; Entrepreneurial Intention; Theoretical Contribution; Academic Dishonesty (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-26692-3_3

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