Performativity of theory, arbitrary conventions, and possible worlds: A reality check

Performativity of theory, arbitrary conventions, and possible worlds: A reality check

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Article ID: iaor200968811
Country: United States
Volume: 20
Issue: 3
Start Page Number: 676
End Page Number: 678
Publication Date: May 2009
Journal: Organization Science
Authors: ,
Abstract:

We argue that Ferraro, Pfeffer, and Sutton build on a scientifically problematic conception of the relationship between theory and social reality. Specifically, the performativity perspective that they build on makes tenuous assumptions about the role that theories, whether true or not, play in strongly constructing social reality, but the perspective fundamentally ignores central matters related to human nature and the boundaries of possibility. We argue for a more realistic approach to theory building and social science, one that recognizes the role that true theories play in helping us understand and explain reality, but also in turn shaping that reality given this better theoretical understanding.

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