17595: Developing Theory from Historical Research

This PDW is aimed at stimulating an interactive and developmental exchange between scholars engaged in theory-building research using historical data, who are aiming to publish in prominent management journals. The workshop will feature a panel of experts with a track record of publishing historical work in premier outlets. The goal of the workshop will be to help scholars learn how to develop and publish management theory from historical research. To this end, the core question that this PDW aims to unpack is – how do you build timeless theory from the study of time-bound historical cases? In the first half of the workshop, the panelists will lead exchanges around topics such as which research questions may be best suited to historical research and potential for theoretical contributions; how to identify rich data sources and deploy historical research methods; how to balance the needs for contextualization vs. generalization, and boundary conditions in their theorizing. In the second half of the workshop, shortlisted participants will have the opportunity to engage in quick “pitches” of their research project to one of the expert facilitators, with a view to receiving developmental feedback.