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A methodological framework for theoretical explanation in performance management and management control systems research

Author

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  • Jan A. Pfister
  • Peeter Peda
  • David Otley

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to reflect on how to apply the abductive research process for developing a theoretical explanation in studies on performance management and management control systems. This is important because theoretically ambitious research tends to require explanatory study outcomes, but prior research frameworks provide little guidance in this regard, potentially facilitating ill-defined research designs and a lack of common vocabulary and criteria for evaluating studies. Design/methodology/approach - The authors introduce a methodological framework that distinguishes three interwoven theoretical abstraction levels: descriptive, analytical and explanatory. They use a recently published qualitative field study to illustrate an application of the framework. Findings - The framework and its illustrated application make the systematic logic of the abductive research process visible and accessible to researchers. The authors explain how the framework supports moving from empirical description to theoretical explanation during the research process and where the three levels might open spaces for the positioning of novel practices and conceptual and theoretical innovations. Originality/value - The framework provides guidance for an explanatory research design and theory-building purpose and has been developed in response to recent criticism in the field that highlights the wide gap between leading-edge practice and the lagging state of theory. It offers interdisciplinary vocabulary and evaluation criteria that can be applied by any accounting and management researcher regardless of whether they pursue critical, interpretive or positivist research and whether they primarily use qualitative or quantitative research methods.

Suggested Citation

  • Jan A. Pfister & Peeter Peda & David Otley, 2022. "A methodological framework for theoretical explanation in performance management and management control systems research," Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 20(2), pages 201-228, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:eme:qrampp:qram-10-2021-0193
    DOI: 10.1108/QRAM-10-2021-0193
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    Cited by:

    1. Petrus Maasalo & Henri Teittinen, 2023. "A conceptual framework for exploring management control style within psychological empowerment," International Journal of Business and Management, International Institute of Social and Economic Sciences, vol. 11(1), pages 1-18, May.
    2. Reilley, Jacob & Löhlein, Lukas, 2023. "Theorizing (and) the future of interdisciplinary accounting research," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 93(C).

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