Scandinavian Working Papers in Economics

Ratio Working Papers,
The Ratio Institute

No 284: Causal Mechanisms in Organization and Innovation Studies

Peter Hedström () and Karl Wennberg ()
Additional contact information
Peter Hedström: Linköping University, Postal: Institute of Analytical Sociology (IAS), Linköping University, 601 74 Norrköping
Karl Wennberg: Linköping University, Postal: Institute of Analytical Sociology (IAS), Linköping University, 601 74 Norrköping

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-codes: C00

21 pages, December 22, 2016

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