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Most applied disciplines are attempting to make significant advancements in articulating the theoretical foundation of their fields of study. The theory discussions and theory research in most applied disciplines are not held together in a manner that allows interpretation and integration. This article presents a holistic theory framework for applied disciplines to help scholars and practitioners create and critique the theory of an applied discipline as well as the contributing, core, useful, novel, and irrelevant theory components within it. Each of the six components in the framework are described and illustrated through relevant theory examples. The role that each component plays in advancing the theory and practice in an applied discipline is also examined.
Keywords: theory; theory development; methodology; applied disciplines; HRD theory
Within any discipline or field of study, rival views regarding its purposes and practices exist at almost every level. The rival perspectives can be very broad, such as the focus and the nature of the discipline itself, or narrow, such as the explanation of a simple elemental aspect of the discipline. In applied disciplines, where matters of both theory and practice are of great concern, the range of perspectives widens even further in an effort to satisfy the demands of both scholars and practitioners.
Having rival theories in a discipline is not a disturbing state of affairs. Not having well-developed theory is disturbing. This holds true when framing an entire discipline or when considering even the smallest phenomena within a discipline. The assumption is that theoretical challenges from within can only help to advance the theory. For applied disciplines rooted in professional practice (such as human resource development or management), a problem emerges that is less likely to exist in more staid disciplines that are disconnected from practical matters (such as history, religion, or philosophy). The theory development challenge in applied disciplines is exacerbated by the dynamic that comes from practice and the relative youthfulness of most applied disciplines.
Beyond a few traditional academic disciplines, the majority of disciplines in contemporary institutions of higher learning are applied, dynamic, and relatively young-such as management, information technology, interior design, or dental hygiene. Applied disciplines almost always have both a strong theory component and a strong practice component. The focus of this article...