Causal Mechanisms in Organization and Innovation Studies

Innovation: Organization & Management, doi/10.1080/14479338.2016.1256779, Vol. 1, February 2017 Forthcoming

21 Pages Posted: 4 Nov 2016

See all articles by Peter Hedstrom

Peter Hedstrom

University of Oxford - Nuffield College

Karl Wennberg

Linkoping University - Institute for Analytical Sociology (IAS)

Date Written: November 3, 2016

Abstract

We outline the guiding ideas behind mechanisms-based theorizing in analytical sociology as a fruitful alternative to economics-inspired research on identification of causal effects, and discuss the potential of mechanisms-based theorizing for further development in organization and innovation studies. We discuss the realist stance on providing broader explanations as an identifying characteristic of the mechanism approach, its focus on the dynamic processes through which outcomes to be explained are brought about, and outline theoretical and methodological implications for organization and innovation studies.

Keywords: Research Methods, Mechanisms, Causality

JEL Classification: C18, Z13

Suggested Citation

Hedstrom, Peter and Wennberg, Karl, Causal Mechanisms in Organization and Innovation Studies (November 3, 2016). Innovation: Organization & Management, doi/10.1080/14479338.2016.1256779, Vol. 1, February 2017 Forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2864006

Peter Hedstrom

University of Oxford - Nuffield College ( email )

Manor Road
Manor Road
Oxford, OX1 3UQ
United Kingdom

Karl Wennberg (Contact Author)

Linkoping University - Institute for Analytical Sociology (IAS) ( email )

Norrköping, 601 74
Sweden

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