Introduction
The dissertation theoretical framework sets the foundation for your research. A dissertation theoretical framework is a fundamental ground that sets the entire tone of your research. It determines what kind of research you want to conduct. The theoretical framework determines the research approach, questions, and methodology.
It also determines the data collection method and evaluation approach for your dissertation. So, researchers need to have a good understanding of the dissertation’s theoretical framework.
What is a theoretical framework?
A theoretical framework serves as the “roadmap” for the dissertation investigation. It serves as a foundation upon which you create and strengthen your research. It is a framework for defining how you will approach the dissertation. The dissertation theoretical framework determines the following things:
- What will be the philosophical orientation of your research?
- What will be the epistemological assumptions of your dissertation?
- Which methodology will you utilise to conduct your research?
- What will be the analytical tools you will use to evaluate your research?
A theoretical framework is a paradigm that directs research depending on a formal theory. It is based on a well-established, rational explanation of particular events and correlations. Consequently, the theoretical framework comprises the theories that underpin your basic assumptions.
It determines how you comprehend the problem and propose to investigate your topic and also includes deriving the key ideas from that theory that are important to your topic. It objectively sets parameters for integrating or applying theory to a research problem that must be suitable, rational, and consistent. You have an option to get cheap dissertation help if you face any problems in making a dissertation theoretical framework.
What are the theories in a theoretical framework?
Theories are the result of preceding research and investigation in your subject area. They offer interpretations for developments in a given field of study. Theories are re-evaluated, improved, and occasionally dismissed in preference for new ideas over time. The goal of theories is to provide reliable interpretations for the processes in the world.
Theory supplies researchers with the vocabulary, notions, and premises they need to understand the phenomenon they’re looking at. It allows a researcher to link the research problem with the established literature. A theory can assist the researcher in forecasting the issue he or she is investigating. Theories can help determine the following factors;
- What issues need a further examination?
- How will I collect the data?
- Processing the data?
- How will I evaluate and interpret the data that will strengthen my findings?
- How many theories are needed in a theoretical framework?
You can use one theory or multiple theories in your dissertation research. Still, it depends upon what it is that you want to explore. You need to consider the following things to help you determine the number of theories you want to utilise.
Tips To Determine The Number Of Theories:
- To begin, you must first comprehend each theory and how it relates to your dissertation
- What are you doing with that theory to help your research?
- What is the relation of different theories with your dissertation research?
- Afterwards, you must decide whether employing more than one theory adds value over employing only one primary or meta-theory
- Do you want to compare and contrast between two theories?
- Are you attempting to demonstrate that various theories equally and justify the necessity for a specific type of research?
- Is it possible that one theory addresses one part of the problem while the other addresses another?
- Will the theories produce similar or slightly contradictory results?
- If you want to employ a second theory, you should base your decision on your goal, aims, and a basic understanding of the correlation between your variables.
- It is not always the case that combining two theories results in a new paradigm. If that is your goal, concentrate on incorporating additional hypotheses or variables.
- It is also worth mentioning that most theories are built on-premises. There is a construct for each theory. Using numerous theories thus runs the risk of causing a collision between the various conceptions.
- You can use multiple theories if there is a benefit to doing so in your dissertation. Moreover, you must also be aware of and ready to deal with any discrepancies.
Most commonly used theories you can use in your management dissertation
Here are the two most commonly used theories for conducting management research:
1. Leadership Research
You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for leadership theories to help you develop a topic and dissertation theoretical framework. In management, leadership is a fascinating and perennial issue. The most common leadership theory in management research is as follows:
Transformational Leadership Theory
Relationship theories also referred to as Transformational Leadership theory, emphasise the correlation between leadership and adherents. This idea describes how a charismatic and inspiring leader may motivate his or her supporters to modify and improve a situation. Transformational leaders are traditionally driven by their capacity to demonstrate the importance of the work to their supporters.
They also try to teach about the greater good that results from completing it. These leaders are concerned with the team’s success and each team member’s need to push themselves to realise their potential. This leadership theory will assist you in developing a theoretical framework for your management dissertation.
2. Behavioural Management Theory
Researchers interested in analysing human resources may benefit from the behavioural management theory. Behavioural management theory refers to understanding the human relations approach. It developed this theory because it emphasises the human aspect of work. Behavioural theorists feel that comprehension of human behaviour in the workplace is important.
Workplace behaviour encompasses factors such as incentives, aspirations, and team dynamics. The thinkers who developed this theory rejected the idea of treating human beings as cogs in the machine. They rather employed the humanistic notions necessary to acknowledge the humanity of the workers. Employees are irreplaceable resources and assets. They are not machines that will work without any incentive or motivation. Also, you can use behavioural management theory to research human resource management.
Conclusion
A researcher’s worldview is also fundamental in choosing a theoretical framework. Our inclinations and biases have a significant role in defining the epistemological foundations of research. So, it is essential to select a dissertation theoretical framework that aligns with your interests.
