Certum Quod Factum: How Formal Models Contribute to the Theoretical and Empirical Robustness of Organization Theory

Forthcoming, Journal of Management

21 Pages Posted: 4 Nov 2019 Last revised: 13 Nov 2019

See all articles by Felipe A. Csaszar

Felipe A. Csaszar

University of Michigan, Stephen M. Ross School of Business

Date Written: October 23, 2019

Abstract

The aim of this commentary is to show how the use of formal models — both closed-form and computational — can improve theory development and theory testing in organization theory. I also provide practical suggestions (aimed at PhD students and researchers considering to develop a formal model) for dealing with challenges in developing and writing a formal modeling paper. By uncovering how formal models contribute to organization theory and presenting the constraints that formal modeling papers are subject to, this commentary can also help consumers of modeling papers to extract more value from this research method.

Keywords: formal models, closed-form models, computational models, research methods

JEL Classification: C00, C02, C60, C63, M00

Suggested Citation

Csaszar, Felipe A., Certum Quod Factum: How Formal Models Contribute to the Theoretical and Empirical Robustness of Organization Theory (October 23, 2019). Forthcoming, Journal of Management, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3474678

Felipe A. Csaszar (Contact Author)

University of Michigan, Stephen M. Ross School of Business ( email )

701 Tappan Street
Ann Arbor, MI MI 48109
United States
(734) 615 4854 (Phone)

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