Theoretical Triangulation and Forming Better Explanations

Speaker: Joep Cornelissen (Erasmus)

If we want to explain phenomena, how might we best do this? What theoretical tools do we have alongside our methods to form robust explanations? In this webinar, I focus on the pitfalls of the propositional style of reasoning that has dominated the field of management research but may actually by itself not be the best model and practice for inferring the most likely or probable explanation of a phenomenon. I suggest instead that a process of triangulating across different styles of theorizing (process, configurational,….and, yes, also still propositional) may be a better route towards forming explanations that are theoretically stronger and practically more reliable and relevant. The webinar takes the form of discussing models of theoretical explanation and suggesting ways in which we individually and collectively may work towards stronger explanations.

Reading:
Cornelissen, J. (2023). ‘The problem with propositions: Theoretical triangulation to better explain phenomena in management research’. Academy of Management Review.
Cornelissen, J. and Kaandorp, M. (2023), Towards Stronger Causal Claims in Management Research: Causal Triangulation Instead of Causal Identification. J. Manage. Stud., 60: 834-860.