A General Method of Theory Formation

Author

Abstract

There are different views about theory formation. The first is by Dubin (1978). It follows the positivist tradition. Theory formation as a disciplined imagination by Weick, (1989), cycle of theory building  by Carlile & Christensen, (2005) a general method of theory formation by Lynham, (2001), Engaged model of theory formation by Van Deven, (2007), are the major methods of theory formation. Binding to structure of these methodologies have created a kind of fear about theory formation among management researchers. The author, criticizing the mentioned methodologies, suggests a new general method of theory formation. He believes that his methodology can reduce the fear of theory formation. After reviewing the framework of methodology, some theories and typologies written according to this methodology are to be proposed.