Description
Book SynopsisWhile many books provide guidance to the construction of theory, the process of theorizing itself has been addressed far less. The aim of this book is to encourage researchers to reflect upon their subjective theorizing practices and to engage in dialogue about theorizing in organization studies. Drawing on interviews with eight key figures in the field, this book provides guidance for how to theorize, and how to do so well, using the key tools of the theorizers.
Providing rich insights, these interviews with Professors David Boje, Barbara Czarniawska, Kenneth Gergen, Tor Hernes, Geert Hofstede, Edgar Schein, Andrew Van de Ven and Karl Weick give an opportunity to learn from some of the most successful theorists in the field of organization studies. By addressing aspects of theorizing which seek to make it a personal and meaningful endeavour, this book goes beyond the sole aim of getting published and encourages the reader to develop their own unique way of theorizing.
This book will be an invaluable tool for graduate researchers and scholars looking to refine their theorizing practices in order to produce outstanding theoretical work. Its insights will also be of use for anyone seeking to breathe new life into their work, with its insightful commentary on the practices of successful theorists.
Trade Review'This book is short, fun to read, and full of good ideas. It also works well as an introduction to how to theorize in organization studies, for students as well as professors.' --From the foreword by Richard Swedberg
'I found the book witty, clear, passionate and well written. For me, it was an opportunity to reflect on my own academic life, my practice of theorizing and my contribution to the field while reading the book and mirroring myself through the thoughts of the ''key'' thinkers that I know personally or through their writing. '
--Silvia Gherardi, University of Trento, Italy
Table of ContentsContents: Foreword by Richard Swedberg 1. Presentation and premises 2. Engaging in theorizing 3. Looking at something. Behind the scenes – interviewing Karl Weick 4. Finding your academic family 5. Making a contribution 6. Key points and practices References Index
