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Towards a stage theory for industrial management research

Petter Gottschalk (Norwegian School of Management, Oslo, Norway)
Hans Solli‐Sæther (Norwegian School of Management, Oslo, Norway)

Industrial Management & Data Systems

ISSN: 0263-5577

Article publication date: 30 October 2009

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how stages of growth models have been applied to a number of organizational phenomena in management research. One class of models consists of maturity models for IT outsourcing relationships. There is a need for an improved theoretical foundation for stage models.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a literature review of theory research as well as stage research, a stage of growth theory is proposed in this paper. Also, a procedure for stages of growth modeling is suggested.

Findings

A theoretical foundation for stages of growth models enables trust worthier modeling.

Research limitations/implications

Future research modeling organizational phenomena can follow the suggested modeling procedure. This paper can be used in teaching by discussing industrial management phenomena along stages of growth by applying dominant problems and benchmark variables.

Practical implications

In strategy work, this paper helps in providing a framework for assessing current stage as well as determining future strategic direction for an industrial organization.

Originality/value

Theory development in this paper includes four important propositions on which this theory is based.

Keywords

Citation

Gottschalk, P. and Solli‐Sæther, H. (2009), "Towards a stage theory for industrial management research", Industrial Management & Data Systems, Vol. 109 No. 9, pp. 1264-1273. https://doi.org/10.1108/02635570911002315

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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