Behind Theoretical Innovation

How are innovative new theories developed? Is it possible to develop a theory about the development of theory? This keynote speech draws on the best minds in management, and leverages the speaker’s own experience in developing the institution-based view, which has become an influential theoretical perspective in the literature. It will highlight the nature of management theory building, and identify the four crucial ingredients behind theoretical innovation: inspiration, resources, differentiation, and integration. For aspiring scholars, the keynote speech will also cover practical aspects, such as (1) how to sublimate the empirical findings to theoretical contributions, and (2) after rejection from the first journal, how to theoretically connect with the next journal.