Towards Stronger Causal Claims in Management Research: Causal Triangulation Instead of Causal Identification

Cornelissen, Joep ORCID: 0000-0003-2500-3876 and Kaandorp, Mariette (2023) Towards Stronger Causal Claims in Management Research: Causal Triangulation Instead of Causal Identification. JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES, 60 (4). pp. 834-860.

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Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>This article addresses widespread concerns about the reliability and strength of many causal claims made in management research. We first critically review the three prevalent forms of theorizing used to identify causal relationships in this field, i.e., propositional, configurational, and process approaches to causation. Highlighting the strengths and limitations of these approaches, we show that while no single approach is sufficient by itself as the basis for robust causal claims, researchers can nonetheless enhance and strengthen claims significantly by combining approaches and thus subjecting them to multiple criteria for drawing robust inferences. We emphasize the risks of continuing with narrow monolithic approaches, using examples of weak claims to show how these could have been strengthened (or abandoned) if the researchers had followed our proposed model of causal triangulation. Finally, we elucidate the practical benefits for management researchers and stakeholders in society of adopting this theoretically pluralistic approach to causation.</jats:p>

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	causal triangulation, theory, theorizing, methods, management research
Divisions:	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences > School of Management
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	25 Sep 2023 08:07
Last Modified:	25 Sep 2023 08:07
DOI:	10.1111/joms.12897
Open Access URL:	https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j...
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3173009