Re-Turn to Practice: An Introductory Essay

Abstract

The study of practices has a long theoretical history and draws on a wide range of methods. This introductory essay sets the stage for the five articles presented in this Special Issue by explaining its background and providing one narrative of the theoretical background on which both its editors and the authors of its articles, in one way or another, draw and to which the latter make explicit or implicit reference.

Turning practically: broadening the horizon

“…Our aim is to discuss their similarities and differences and how these methods fit within the broader horizon of engaged research. We do this by relating the discussion to the current "turn to practice" within organisation and management studies (Gherardi, 2001;Miettinen, Samra-Fredericks, & Yanow, 2009; Nicolini, Gherardi, & Yanow, 2003;Nicolini, 2009). We present a preliminary sketch of the kinds of approaches we believe need to be included and related in order to fully see the potentials, the limitations, and the significance of a practical turn and practice based theorizing within social research.…”

Missing the Point? Finding Contextual Detail in Entrepreneurship and Small Firm Scholarship

“…This is a notion supported by Moroz and Hindle (2012) in their review of process-based theories of entrepreneurship which reveals that only 9 of 32 models considered are empirically derived. From an analytical perspective this is problematic; the everydayoften mundane -activities people do to get their work done constitute the foundations of social order and institutions (Miettinen, Samra-Fredericks, & Yanow, 2009). Failing to engage with these building blocks from an appropriate philosophical or theoretical perspective increases the chasm between research findings and lived reality, in turn diminishing the likely explanatory and predictive power of emergent theory.…”

“…In sum, this aloofness from practice may continue to frustrate efforts to understand the how of entrepreneurship and could negatively affect the practical utility of entrepreneurship research for both practicing entrepreneurs and policymakers. There is need therefore to study Òphenomena that are actually done, as they become evident in the here and nowÓ (Miettinen et al, 2009(Miettinen et al, : 1309, and to adopt methodological resources that will facilitate this new programme of research.…”

Methodological Reflections on Practice-Based Research in Organization Studies

“…Practice-based studies or practice theories, are gaining prominence in the international academic production since the movement called Practice Turn from the 2000s (Miettinen, Samra-Fredericks, & Yanow, 2009;Schatzki, 2001). The theme, though ancient, gained new dynamics through reinvigorated theoretical articulations and more dialogue among researchers from various practical approaches.…”