The theory/practice gap in B2B marketing: reflections and search for solutions
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to suggest pragmatic ways of dealing with the business-to-business (B2B) theory/practice gap.
Design/methodology/approach
Reflecting on experience both as a researcher and practitioner.
Findings
B2B marketing is characterized by complexity. There is no straight way to harmonize the relationship between its theory and practice but there are ways to make the two benefit from each other. A dilemma is that academics and practitioners are rewarded for different types of achievements.
Research limitations/implications
Scholars can be made aware of the need for close involvement through action research and case theory to secure access to high-quality data in a complex B2B reality, and to their mission to contribute better real world based theory.
Practical implications
The article can make practitioners aware of the value of grand theory to improve the pragmatic use of mid-range theory as it materializes in models, checklists and heuristics.
Originality/value
The simultaneous emphasis on explicit and tacit knowledge in both theory generation and practice, and a framework of theory generation that sorts out substantive, mid-range and grand theory relationships.
Keywords
Citation
Gummesson, E. (2014), "The theory/practice gap in B2B marketing: reflections and search for solutions", Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, Vol. 29 No. 7/8, pp. 619-625. https://doi.org/10.1108/JBIM-10-2013-0222
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited