Processes of substantiations and contributions through theory building towards theory in business research

Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this article is to describe processes of substantiations and contributions across contexts and over time through theory building towards theory in business research.

Design/methodology/approach

The article provides a seed for discussion, debate and consideration regarding scholarly substantiations and contributions through theory building towards business theory.

Findings

The importance of cumulative processes in terms of substantiations and contributions in business research should not be neglected, but its logic and value is currently argued to be often underestimated or ignored.

Research limitations/implications

Sound theory requires sound foundations based upon processes of substantiations and contributions. It is essential that the processes of substantiations and contributions are cumulative and parallel through theory building towards theory.

Practical implications

An important lesson learned is that an original study should not be seen as providing a genuine substantiation and making a solid contribution to business theory until it has been successfully replicated and validated across contexts and over time.

Originality/value

The author concludes that current practices of substantiations and contributions through theory building towards theory are insufficient and contain fatal flaws potentially undermining the well‐being of business research and the perception of business theory being seen as a solid and credible management discipline among other academic disciplines in the worldwide research community.

Citation

Svensson, G. (2013), "Processes of substantiations and contributions through theory building towards theory in business research", European Business Review, Vol. 25 No. 5, pp. 466-480. https://doi.org/10.1108/EBR-12-2012-0071