Theory Building in Applied Disciplines

PREFACE

Theory Building in Applied Disciplines has no rival book. It is intended to fill a void. This book concisely presents a one-of-a-kind, five-phase theory-building process that is understandable to a wide audience. Let’s clarify two key terms:

• A theory describes a specific realm of knowledge and explains how it works.

• Applied disciplines are realms of study and practice that are fully understood through their use in the functioning world. Management, organization development, public administration, marketing, highway engineering, leadership, and nursing are just a few of the many applied disciplines.

Applied disciplines address the grist of life—impacting us all on a daily basis. Most applied disciplines are stuck because they

• have ...