Making a theoretical contribution with qualitative research

Abstract

The Academy of Management Journal’s (AMJ’s) mission statement specifies making a theoretical contribution as a key criterion for publication.1 Yet, this is probably the requirement that creates the most difficulty among qualitative researchers wishing to publish in the journal. Qualitative research tends to generate its theoretical provocations gradually through detailed data collection and analysis of a particular context. This inherent openness and contextual grounding can make it challenging to articulate a crisp, generalizable theoretical contribution. The purpose of this editorial is to offer some practical suggestions about how to overcome the challenges of making a theoretical contribution with qualitative research. To develop the editorial, we began by organizing a freewheeling conversation, beginning with a discussion of mistakes authors typically make in attempting to claim a theoretical contribution. This led us to identify a variety of ways in which studies with ample data that are otherwise promising may miss the mark, and to suggest approaches to transcending these common difficulties. We begin this discussion with some basic definitions.