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Performativity of Theory, Arbitrary Conventions, and Possible Worlds: A Reality Check

Author

Listed:
  • Teppo Felin

    (Marriott School, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602)

  • Nicolai J. Foss

    (Center for Strategic Management and Globalization, Copenhagen Business School, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark, and Department of Strategy and Management, Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration, N-5045 Bergen, Norway)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Teppo Felin & Nicolai J. Foss, 2009. "Performativity of Theory, Arbitrary Conventions, and Possible Worlds: A Reality Check," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 20(3), pages 676-678, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ororsc:v:20:y:2009:i:3:p:676-678
    DOI: 10.1287/orsc.1090.0433
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Donald Mackenzie & Fabian Muniesa & Lucia Siu, 2007. "Do Economists Make Markets? On the Performativity of Economics," Post-Print halshs-00149145, HAL.
    2. Donald MacKenzie, 2006. "An Engine, Not a Camera: How Financial Models Shape Markets," MIT Press Books, The MIT Press, edition 1, volume 1, number 0262134608, April.
    3. Teppo Felin & Nicolai J. Foss, 2009. "Social Reality, the Boundaries of Self-Fulfilling Prophecy, and Economics," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 20(3), pages 654-668, June.
    4. Fabrizio Ferraro & Jeffrey Pfeffer & Robert I. Sutton, 2009. "How and Why Theories Matter: A Comment on Felin and Foss (2009)," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 20(3), pages 669-675, June.
    5. Donald MacKenzie & Fabian Muniesa & Lucia Siu, 2007. "Introduction to Do Economists Make Markets? On the Performativity of Economics," Introductory Chapters, in: Donald MacKenzie & Fabian Muniesa & Lucia Siu (ed.),Do Economists Make Markets? On the Performativity of Economics, Princeton University Press.
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    3. Kallifatides, Markus, 2011. "Crisis and hyper-ideological (un)consciousness," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 27(1), pages 140-150, March.

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