Fon Sundaravej
Theory Construction as Disciplined Imagination
By Karl E. Weick
Previous literature tends to focus on outcome of the theory construction rather than the
process of the theory construction by imagination (deliberate diversity introduced into the
problem statements), representation, and selection (trial-and-error thinking). Theory can
be improved if the theorizing process gets improved. To understand a model, the terms
theory, validation, and quality of theory are defined. Theory building involves
simultaneous parallel processing, not sequential thinking. In addition, theorizing does not
always originate in response to a problem. A single criterion of a solution is inadequate to
cover other reasons why a conjecture might be selectively retained in theorizing. When
theorists build theory, their activities resemble the three processes of evolution: variation,
selection, and retention. Theorists are both the source of variation and selection in
choosing the form of the problem statement and select their thought trials to solve the
problem. A theorizing process characterized by a greater number of diverse conjectures
produces better than a process characterized by a smaller number of homogeneous
conjectures. The greater the number of diverse criteria applied to a conjecture, the higher
the probability that those conjectures will result a good theory. Selection criteria must be
applied consistently. To retain the theory, the theory statement should be obvious,
connected, believable, beautiful, and real.
This article emphasizes that thought trials, representations, and metal selection should be
taken into a consideration in the theory construction. A combination of experience,
practice, convention to select among conjectures, and imagined reality should be used in
the process of theory building. This compromise presents some similar discussions as
other articles in the theory building domain. Weick (1989) states the importance of
imagination in the process of theory construction. He believes that imagination in
theorizing results from diversity of problem statements and trail-and-error thinking. Such
idea is close to Daft (1983) in the article “Learning the Craft of Organizational Research”
that suggests an innovative organization research method that differs from traditional
research that primarily put an attention on quantitative or qualitative research methods.
Moreover, theory for Weick (1989) is not simply a category of fact. This thought is
similar to Bacharach (1989) in the article “Organizational Theories: Some Criteria for
Evaluation,” which represents that a theory is different from categorization of data,
typologies, and metaphors.
In addition, Weick (1989) supports an element of Daft (1983), who claims that the quality
of theory and its contents is essential. Weick (1989) also presents similar thought as
Bacharach (1989) that theory validation is important to help improve the outcome from
applying a theory.
IS 7890: IS Research Seminar
Spring 2006