Dear Colleagues,
In reviewing articles and papers in design research, I have
noticed a frequent range of similar problems in understanding
the nature of a theoretical contribution.
While there are many complex issues involved in theory
development, understanding the basic nature of a theoretical
contribution is central to any research field.
In 1989, David A. Whetten wrote an important
article titled "What constitutes a theoretical contribution?"
(Academy of Management Review. Vol. 14, no. 4, 490-495).
He wrote this article from his perspective as editor of
Academy of Management Review.
While this article is written in the context of organization theory
and management studies, many of the issues that are developed
apply to design research. The theme remains important and
the article is widely used in research methods courses.
I will be happy to provide copies of this article as an attached
.pdf file to anyone who wishes to read it.
Requests coming today and tomorrow will be answered
immediately. Then I'm off to Staffordfshire for the conference
on philosophy of art and design.
All other requests answered next week.
Best regards,
--
Ken Friedman, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Leadership and Strategic Design
Department of Leadership and Organization
Norwegian School of Management
Visiting Professor
Advanced Research Institute
School of Art and Design
Staffordshire University
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