When theories become tools
Toward a framework for pragmatic validity
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 9888237 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Nicolay Am Worren (Kvaerner), Nicolay Worren (0000-0002-1679-8972, Jøtul (Norway), corresponding author), Karl Moore (McGill University), Richard Elliott (0000-0002-1540-0686, University of Exeter) |
| Year | 2002 |
| Volume | 55 |
| Issue | 10 |
| Pages | 1227-1250 |
| Publication date | 2002-10-01 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Human Relations (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0018-7267 • E-ISSN: 1741-282X |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/0018726702055010082 |
| OpenAlex | W2155528776, W4240403386 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 19 |
| References cited | 14 |
In this article we discuss the characteristics of knowledge that lead to practical utility. We first review previous efforts at identifying the characteristics of useful knowledge. These contributions are grouped into three perspectives according to which representational mode they imply: propositional, narrative, or visual. We develop a framework for pragmatic validity that encompasses knowledge represented in all three modes. However, we also note an over-reliance on the propositional mode in academia, which contrasts with a preference for narrative and visual knowledge among practitioners. Explicit and propositional knowledge are key criteria for achieving scientific validity, but more ambiguous knowledge serves important functions in organizational life and may thus possess pragmatic validity. We highlight the role of conceptual models expressed in a visual format, a representational mode that has received little attention in the literature. We end with suggestions for further research that may extend the notion of pragmatic validity and lead to a more refined framework for the development of useful knowledge
Cognitive psychology · Cognitive science · Descriptive knowledge · Knowledge management · Linguistics · Narrative · Computer Science · Language, Metaphor, and Cognition · Management and Organizational Studies · Psychology · Social Representations and Identity
Validity of energy social research during and after Covid-19
Evidence-based dialectics
A Design Science Approach to Evidence-Based Management
TeRMEd
Developing Theory From Complexity
A Comparative Analysis of the Strengths Perspective With the Theory Evaluation Scale
The replication problem and its implications for policy studies
Abuse, degradation and conflicts in school. A qualitative study of text documents in cases at the Swedish Schools Inspectorate
Analysing the influence of visualisations in global environmental governance
"A Hermeneutic Reading into "What Strategy is
Mining the ambient commons
Strategy tools
A model of political leadership
From noise to knowledge
Good Deal, Bad Deal? Job Satisfaction in Occupations
Developing a Strategy to Meaningfully Engage Stakeholders in Program/Policy Planning
Social network analysis as a methodological tool to understand university-industry dynamism in enhancing the HEI curriculum - a case of the Nigerian oil industry
Hypothesis Bound
The theory of empowerment
| Citations per year | 1.17 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2003 - 2025 (23) |
| Highly cited | No |