Our field needs research simultaneously driven by theory and context that is both rigorous and relevant. This commentary has sought to propose a viable road map to explore the interplay between context and concept toward theory building in an applied area of research such as ours. This commentary discusses a three-step approach of conceptualizing the context, contextualizing the concept, and cross-fertilizing the context and concept to systematically explore the interaction between context and concept in the interest of theory building. Specific steps at each stage of the process are also discussed.
BurtR. S. (1992). Structural holes: The social structure of competition. Harvard University Press.
2.
CalvardT. S. (2016). Big data, organizational learning, and sensemaking: Theorizing interpretive challenges under conditions of dynamic complexity. Management learning, 47(1), 65-82. https://doi.org/10.1177/1350507615592113
CowanR.HoffmanM. F. (2007). The flexible organization: How contemporary employees construct the work/life border. Qualitative Research Reports in Communication, 8(1), 37-44. https://doi.org/10.1080/17459430701617895
5.
FauconnierG.TurnerM. (2002). The way we think: Conceptual blending and the mind’s hidden complexities. Basic Books.
6.
FoucaultM. (1985). The history of sexuality: Vol. 2. The use of pleasure. Pantheon.
LiY.MiaoL.ZhaoX.LehtoX. (2013). When family rooms become guest lounges: Work–family balance of B&B innkeepers. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 34, 138-149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2013.03.002
10.
LinM.MiaoL.WeiW.MoonH. (2019). Peer engagement behaviors: Conceptualization and research directions. Journal of Service Research, 22(4), 388-403. https://doi.org/10.1177/1094670519865609
11.
LockeK.Golden-BiddleK. (1997). Constructing opportunities for contribution: Structuring intertextual coherence and “problematizing” in organizational studies. Academy of Management Journal, 40(5), 1023-1062. https://doi.org/10.2307/256926
12.
MoneM. A.McKinleyW. (1993). The uniqueness value and its consequences for organization studies. Journal of Management Inquiry, 2(3), 284-296. https://doi.org/10.1177/105649269323010
13.
OswickC.FlemingP.HanlonG. (2011). From borrowing to blending: Rethinking the processes of organizational theory building. Academy of Management Review, 36(2), 318-337. https://doi.org/10.5465/AMR.2011.59330932
SandbergJ.TsoukasH. (2011). Grasping the logic of practice: Theorizing through practical rationality. Academy of Management Review, 36(2), 338-360. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2009.0183
