1. I.F.A What is a Theory?

2. What is a Theory? An organized set of concepts, explanations, and principles of some aspect of human experience (Littlejohn & Foss, 2005, p. 17). A plausible explanation for a phenomena A set of principles for examining something

3. What is a Theory? A theory is a way of seeing and thinking about the world (Deetz, 1992). A theory is a lens

4. What is a Theory? Theories are constructed by people Theories emerge out of the research and the deep thinking of people, often scholars Generally, theories are built upon (or are the reactions to) the earlier theories of others

5. What is a Theory? Different theories involve different aspects of an object or a phenomena. For example: Broad view View of one detail Historical view Process view

6. Statue of Liberty

11. What is a Theory? No single theory covers everything To view one aspect of something means that you will not cover other aspects

12. Theories of Organizations Different viewpoints produce different theories No correct view is possible Its all a conversation!