ABSTRACT
Theory represents a ‘statement of constructs and their relationships to one another that explain how, when, why, and under what conditions phenomena take place’ (Cunningham, 2013, p. 1). We can think of constructs as approximated units (Bacharach, 1989) representing psychological, economic or social phenomena that cannot be readily observed. Examples include deep-level diversity, workplace creativity, an inclusive organisational climate and the like. Theorists use propositions to help specify how constructs are related to one another. For example, we might expect diversity to be positively associated with workplace creativity, particularly when the work environment is inclusive. In many ways, the constructs offer the descriptive component of theory – the what – while the propositions tell the reader the manner in which the constructs relate, thereby satisfy the how of theory.
