Theorizing from Qualitative Data III: Claiming a Theoretical Contribution

Prof Davide Ravasi (UCL School of Management)

Abstract
In this session, Prof Ravasi uses a case of a recently published paper to offer some practical tips about how to frame a qualitative study (What is this a case of?), how to theorize findings (moving from description to explanation), and how to structure the discussion to claim a novel theoretical contribution. The suggestions are based on his own experience with grounded theory and case analyses, but some ideas may be relevant to qualitative research more generally.

Recommended readings:
Giudici, A., Reinmoeller, P. and Ravasi, D. (2018) Open-system orchestration as a relational source of sensing capabilities: Evidence from a venture association. Academy of Management Journal, 61(4), 1369-1402. [This is the article I will discuss in the webinar. Having a look at it before may help you follow my arguments]
Davis, M.S., (1971) That’s interesting! Philosophy of Social Science, 1:309-344 [A classic. I will generally draw on Davis’s ideas to discuss how to argue for a theoretical contribution]
Lund, C. (2014) Of what is this a case? Analytical movements in qualitative social science research. Human Organization 73.3: 224-34
Calhoun, C. (1998) Explanation in historical sociology: narrative, general theory, and historically specific theory. American Journal of Sociology, 104 (3). pp. 846-871