CHAPTER 11 Figuring Out the Present Status of a Theory

Introduction To advance the building of robust, useful theories for applied disciplines, all of the phases detailed in this book must be involved in order to legitimately use the term theory.

Theory Building “Buckets ” The Conceptualize Bucket The Operationalize Bucket The Confirm Bucket The Apply Bucket The Refine Bucket

Next Steps for the Learning Organization Theory Based on the Assessment

Next Steps for the Scenario-Planning Theory Based on the Assessment

Conclusion Using the general five-phase method of Theory Building in Applied Disciplines to assess the current status of a theory can ensure that a higher standard for what counts as theory is held and that the next efforts to fill the voids can be determined.