Theory in Hospitality, Tourism, and Leisure Studies

Abstract

Abstract:The term "theory" is used with diverse meanings, resulting in miscommunication and misunderstanding. This article examines how "theory", as a word, is used in three leading journals in each of hospitality, tourism, and leisure studies fields over a 20-year period. Utilizing an iterative and comparative hierarchical coding, seven different forms of theory and trends in their usage by scholars over the 20 years are identified. Among the notable trends are: 1) A marked increase in the appearance of "theory" (as a word) and its variants over the years; 2) the virtual disappearance of natural science-type theory in the three fields; and 3) a dramatic rise in the use of "theory" as an analogy rather than as a substantive term. Implications and limitations of the study are also discussed.

Understandings of tourism theory

“…These limitations apart, the study sheds through its implications some much-needed light to the discussion of the nature and uses of tourism theory -a topic of growing concern and interest for tourism researchers (Smith et al, 2013). The findings reported here have no claims to generalisability.…”

“…As a result, many tourism journal editors expect submissions to be positioned in a theoretical context and demonstrate their contribution to theory (e.g. Franklin and Crang, 2001;Perdue et al, 2009;Xiao et al, 2013).…”

The state of research methods in tourism and hospitality

“…in tourism and is likely to become a primary point of reference in tourism research." However, the terms "theory" and "theoretical contribution" are grossly misunderstood by research scholars, and are sometimes loosely defined (Smith et al, 2013). The number of journal editorials and articles discussing the nature of theory and what constitutes theoretical contribution testifies to the depth of academic debate on the topic (e.g., Corley and Gioia, 2011;Cortina, 2016;Crane et al, 2016;Smith et al, 2013;Nunkoo and Ramkissoon, 2012;Whetten, 1989).…”

“…Tracy explained the importance of theory in advancing hospitality research, advocating its use by scholars. Likewise, Smith et al (2013) examined how "theory," as a word, is used in three leading journals in each of hospitality, tourism, and leisure studies fields over a 20-year period. The article concluded that researchers have succeeded only in developing mutually incomprehensible languages and worldviews, failing to reach a consensus on the true meaning of the term "theory."…”

“…The article concluded that researchers have succeeded only in developing mutually incomprehensible languages and worldviews, failing to reach a consensus on the true meaning of the term "theory." Such a diversity in the conceptualization of the term "theory," Smith et al (2013) argued, presents significant challenges to the advancement of the field.…”