ABSTRACT
Conceived by Professor Louis E. Guttman, Facet Theory is a comprehensive research strategy for the social and behavioral sciences with important applications in organizational studies. As a metatheory, it offers a systematic framework for coordinating theory and research. It integrates the formal design of empirical observations expressed in a mapping sentence to holistically define the measurement space with intrinsic data analysis procedures. The discovery of lawfulness in structures characterizing qualitative areas enhances both rigor and the practical usefulness of research.
The methodology of Facet Theory has been applied in a variety of disciplines with contributions to theory construction and cumulative research. As a metatheory for the behavioral sciences, it can help integrate research efforts among scholars in diverse disciplines and domains of relevance to the study of individuals, groups, and organizations. The five articles included in this issue on Facet Theory provide detailed descriptions of the methodology and examples of applications in organizational and strategy research. This should spark new ideas and connections, advancing and invigorating Facet Theory applications for collaborative multilevel research on organizational phenomena.
