Concepts, Principles, Theories

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14/07/2010

MPK1023:
Management and
Administration of TVE

CONCEPTS vs.
PRINCIPLES vs.
THEORY
PM Dr WILFREDO H. LIBUNAO

IMPORTANCE OF
IMPORTANCE
THEORIES
Theories are constructed to give an explanation of phenomena (Stam, 2000).
According to Denzin (1970), there are three functions of a theory:
1. Permitting organization of descriptions,
2. leading to explanation, and
3. furnishing the basis for prediction of future events. Importance of Theories…cont’d:
In a nutshell, theories:
- Tell us what we are doing
- Tell us why we do things
- Not how to do things
- It help us better understand the process - Will enable us to predict what is going to happen in the future

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Importance of Theories…cont’d:

Elements of Theory:
• Concepts
• Generalizations
• Assumptions
Purposes of Theory:
• Provide an explanation of how things generally work
• Guide research
• Guide practice

Importance of Theories…cont’d:
Hypotheses:
• Conjectural statements that explain relationships.
• Use to test theories.
• Guide research
Scientific Knowledge:
• Propositions supported by systematic research.

Purpose of Science: To test theory and to provide reliable explanation.

Theoretical System

Concepts

Generalizations
Assumptions

Concepts

Variables

Hypotheses

Variables
Empirical
Testing

Principles
© Hoy, 2008, © Hoy 2003

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IMPORTANCE OF CONCEPTS
• What is a concept?
• Why is it important?
• How is it different from principles and theories? • Is concept important in management?

The Elephant
Six blind sages were shown an elephant and met to discuss their experience. “It's