In business and management research, theory plays a critical role. It serves as a foundation for academic inquiry, guiding research questions, methodologies, and analyses. For PhD students, understanding and applying theory correctly can mean the difference between producing a piece of work that is merely informative and one that makes an original contribution to knowledge.

This blog will explore the role of theory in the business/management PhD and how students can leverage theory to elevate their research and leave a lasting impact on their field.

Introduction: Why Theory Matters in PhD Research

Theory serves as the intellectual backbone of PhD research. It helps to structure research questions, define the scope of the study, and provide a lens through which to interpret findings. In the fields of business and management, theoretical frameworks are particularly important because they allow researchers to explain complex organizational phenomena, predict behaviors, and offer insights into market trends.

The use of theory goes beyond simply referencing existing ideas. In a successful PhD dissertation, the application of theory allows students to build upon prior knowledge, challenge existing paradigms, and offer new perspectives that can influence both academia and industry. This process of applying, refining, or even challenging theory is key to making an original contribution to knowledge.

1. Selecting an Appropriate Theoretical Framework:

Choosing the right theory for your business/management PhD research is one of the first steps in creating a strong foundation for your dissertation. The theory should align with your research questions, your field of study, and the objectives of your research.

a) Understanding Different Types of Theories:

In business and management research, various types of theories can be applied. These may include:

• Grand theories: Broad, abstract frameworks that explain general phenomena (e.g., systems theory, agency theory).
• Middle-range theories: More specific to certain aspects of organizations or behaviors (e.g., leadership theories, organizational culture theories).
• Micro-level theories: Focused on individual or small group dynamics (e.g., motivation theories, communication theories).

b) Aligning Theory with Research Questions:

The key to selecting the right theory is ensuring that it is relevant to your specific research problem. For instance, if you are studying employee motivation within a large corporation, you might choose a motivational theory like Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs or Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory. Conversely, if your research focuses on decision-making processes within a start-up, a leadership or decision-making theory may be more appropriate.

2. Using Theory to Frame Your Research:

Once a theoretical framework is selected, it will guide every aspect of your research process. Here’s how theory plays a role in framing your PhD research:

a) Developing Research Questions and Hypotheses:

A well-chosen theory helps to sharpen your research questions and, in quantitative research, develop testable hypotheses. For example, using Agency Theory, you might frame your research question around the impact of managerial decisions on shareholder value. Theory provides a framework for constructing questions that are focused and grounded in existing knowledge.

b) Defining Variables and Relationships:

In the context of quantitative research, theory can help define the variables you will study. For example, if you’re examining the effects of leadership style on employee performance, you’ll likely draw on Leadership Theories like Transformational Leadership or Situational Leadership to define your independent and dependent variables.

Similarly, for qualitative research, theory can shape your methodology and guide your data collection methods. Using Grounded Theory as a methodology, for instance, ensures that your data is systematically analyzed and that your findings build towards a new theoretical contribution.

c) Structuring Your Literature Review:

A solid understanding of theory can help you structure your literature review more effectively. The literature review isn’t just a summary of existing research; it’s an opportunity to position your study within the context of the existing body of knowledge. You’ll want to demonstrate how the theory you’ve chosen connects to prior research and how your study addresses gaps in that knowledge base.

3. Applying Theory to Make an Original Contribution:

Making an original contribution to knowledge is the hallmark of a PhD. This originality often stems from how you apply or extend a particular theory in the context of your business or management research.

a) Extending or Modifying Existing Theories:

One of the most common ways PhD students make an original contribution is by extending or modifying existing theories. For example, a theory that was originally developed in a Western business context might not apply fully to Eastern companies. By testing this theory in a new context, you can provide valuable insights and potentially modify the theory to make it more broadly applicable.

b) Developing New Theoretical Frameworks:

Another way to contribute is by developing your own theoretical framework based on the findings of your research. This may happen when you notice patterns or relationships in your data that existing theories do not fully explain. By offering a new framework, you’re providing the academic community with a new lens through which to examine similar phenomena in the future.

c) Challenging Established Theories:

Sometimes, your research findings may contradict existing theories. In such cases, your original contribution may involve challenging established ideas and offering evidence to support alternative views. This is particularly important in business and management, where theories can quickly become outdated due to rapidly changing market conditions, technological advancements, or shifts in consumer behavior.

4. Communicating Your Theoretical Contribution:

Finally, for your theoretical contribution to have an impact, it must be communicated effectively. Here are some tips on how to ensure your contribution is clear and recognized:

a) Highlight the Theoretical Contribution in Your Dissertation:

Make sure to explicitly state how your research contributes to the chosen theory. Don’t leave it to your readers to infer this. Clearly outline in your introduction and conclusion the ways in which your study adds to the theoretical discourse.

b) Publish Your Findings:

Once your dissertation is complete, consider publishing your findings in peer-reviewed journals. This not only gives your research more visibility but also strengthens the credibility of your theoretical contributions.

c) Present Your Research at Conferences:

Presenting your research at academic conferences is another great way to share your theoretical contributions with a wider audience. Engaging with other scholars allows you to refine your ideas and further solidify your role as a contributor to academic knowledge.

Conclusion: Elevating Your Research Through Theory

In the world of business and management research, theory is the bedrock that supports all academic inquiry. By carefully selecting, applying, and extending theoretical frameworks, PhD students can elevate their work from a descriptive project to one that makes an original contribution to knowledge.

Using theory not only helps structure your research and provide a lens for analysis but also allows you to engage with and contribute to broader academic debates. For business/management PhD students, mastering theory is essential for producing impactful, original research that advances both academic thought and practical business knowledge.