The Use of Abduction for Generating Explanation and Theory

Abstract

In this manuscript we explore the use of abduction, the development of initial explanation, to develop theory in organizations and management. We begin by describing the roots of abduction and its presence in inductive and deductive projects. We then consider abduction separately, as a unique tool in theorizing, considering its role in situations where theoretical explanations appear to have inconsistencies, contradictions, or discrepancies. We consider strategies for the selection of samples or cases, the production of data for theorizing, and analytical approaches. Our presentation argues that the use of abduction in theory building has distinct advantages based on a closer connection between theory and data. We end by embedding our discussion of abduction within larger conversations on the development of theory and explain the benefits of actively identifying abduction in organizational and management theorizing.