From One to Many: A Taxonomy of Abductive Inferences in Organization Science

Abstract

This article extends the discussion on abduction in organization science, which typically focuses on one type of abduction, to encompass multiple types. Using a logical approach, this article introduces a generalized abduction scheme. We then distinguish four basic types of abductive inferences based on this scheme. The four types can be differentiated according to their primary inference process (selective vs. creative) and primary knowledge outcome (explanatory vs. instrumental). The article contributes to the discussion on abduction in organization science research in three ways. First, the introduction and application of the generalized logical scheme allows us to make the premises of an abductive inference explicit which helps to scrutinize the overall inference made. Second, differentiating between selective and creative abductive inferences is important because they should be evaluated according to different criteria. Third, introducing instrumental abductive inferences to the organization science literature may help to strengthen the inferences of design science research.