Theorizing as Problem Solving: A Pragmatist Perspective on the Logic of Pursuit

The growth of knowledge in strategic management hinges on developing novel research programs. However, the path from the discovery to the justification of research programs is fraught with hazards—most research directions that scholars pursue are unlikely to be fruitful. This paper introduces the logic of pursuit to strategy science to aid researchers in navigating these hazards and ascertaining whether they should continue working on a particular line of inquiry. Specifically, this paper considers theorizing as a problem-solving activity. It provides a five-phase trial-and-error approach that focuses on resolving doubt generated by anomalies and a lack of understanding of complex phenomena. At each phase of this journey, nonempirical indicators such as the economy of research guide scholars on whether to pursue their research program or to try alternative paths. Research programs that effectively address the problems for which they were devised are considered highly warranted and worthy of pursuit.