<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>In management research, theoretical abstractions, which are traditionally derived based on economic and individualist ontological assumptions, are limited in the ability to produce practically relevant insights and increase the divide between organisational practitioners and scientists. This paper argues that contemporary theory of practice, which jointly considers agency, structure and materiality, overcomes the confrontation and integrates scientific rigour with the richness of organisational practice. The author thereby introduces the origins of practice theory, analyses the definition of practice and explores the areas of management research where practice theory is currently adopted.</p></abstract>

In management research, theoretical abstractions, which are traditionally derived based on economic and individualist ontological assumptions, are limited in the ability to produce practically relevant insights and increase the divide between organisational practitioners and scientists. This paper argues that contemporary theory of practice, which jointly considers agency, structure and materiality, overcomes the confrontation and integrates scientific rigour with the richness of organisational practice. The author thereby introduces the origins of practice theory, analyses the definition of practice and explores the areas of management research where practice theory is currently adopted.

Theorising Practice and Developing Practically Relevant Insights in Organisational Research

ISM University of Management and Economics

Management of Organizations: Systematic Research

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

In management research, theoretical abstractions, which are traditionally derived based on economic and individualist ontological assumptions, are limited in...

Theorising Practice and Developing Practically Relevant Insights in Organisational Research

Published Online: Oct 04, 2018

Page range: 55 - 70

Received: Apr 10, 2018

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/mosr-2018-0004

Keywords
practice theory, social ontology, organisational studies, social practices, practically relevant scientific knowledge

© 2018 Irina Liubertė, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Theorising Practice and Developing Practically Relevant Insights in Organisational Research

Published Online: Oct 04, 2018

Page range: 55 - 70

Received: Apr 10, 2018

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/mosr-2018-0004

Keywordspractice theory, social ontology, organisational studies, social practices, practically relevant scientific knowledge

© 2018 Irina Liubertė, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Keywords
practice theory, social ontology, organisational studies, social practices, practically relevant scientific knowledge