Introduction

Considering the theory and its applicability in the context of a company's management

development program evokes an interesting conflict. Some are of the opinion "There is no need

for usage of theory because it has no relevance," while others say, "There is nothing more useful

than a good theory to approach a problem." To be honest, it would appear as if I shared their

view, that is, that any well conceptualized theories would act as templates which render

comprehend and resolve complex prevailing situations within the confines of business (Van,

2020).

Management and Theory

Management theories are not only the creation of an intellectual exercise but rather

constructs that explain the occurrence of unpredictable behavior with credentials that can be

substantiated. More specifically, as covered in Chapter 1 of the textbook, developing theory

should be seen as part of the research process because it helps in formulating a specific objective

of the research, factoring in the necessary variables, and outlining how the findings will be

presented. Theories such as Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and Herzberg's Two Factor Theory

give organization managers better insight into human behavior, motivation, and decision-making

processes in organizations (Cronin, 2021). It helps to predict how employees will behave, how to

create effective motivation systems within the organization and create a healthy organizational

climate.

Theory as a Tool for Practical Application

It is a common tendency to think that the theory is useless in practical application

whereas a good theory serves as a very useful tool. Such simple views help explain complicated
situations and provision of predictions that aid managers know the results of their actions

(Voskoglou, 2020). For instance, management in modern day has been transformed by Scientific

Management Theory promulgated by Frederick Taylor. Efforts to apply Taylor's principles have

not only increased production efficiency by reducing unnecessary activities, optimizing

processes, and institutionalizing constructive practices but have also been practiced across

different sectors globally. Most importantly, however, theories such as SWOT analysis or Porter

Five Forces are not merely academic frameworks but real applied tools that organizations use to

evaluate where they stand strategically and how to act. This understanding of these theories is

important in formulating strategies that bring out the objectives of the organization (Rowe,

2024).

The consequences of ignoring theory

Refusing the notion of theory as irrelevant to the situation overlooks its importance in any

systematic solution of the situation. Adhering to this view leads to the prospect of decision

making being more situational, with the lack of consideration and evidence to such intuitive

decision making as ad hoc (Van, 2020). This may also lead to undesirable consequences as there

is always a possibility of making inconsistent decision making due to the ad hoc nature of such

approaches. It may also be difficult to transfer effective strategies to new situations or after a

while if the strategies’ principles are not made clear and reasoned.

Assistance from Scholarly Research

Scholarly research further emphasizes undoubted reasons why the theoretical aspect is

crucial in the practical scenarios. Whetten (1989) asserts that theory acts as a guide that explains

why particular relationships lead to certain outcomes and why circumstantial decisions should be
made cautiously. Likewise, Sutton and Staw (1995) contend that a strong theory helps to sort, sift

and summarize massive amounts of data and offers a story that has been tested, modified, and

put to use in diverse solutions (Rowe, 2024). Moreover, Van de Ven (1989) found in his study

that when practicing theory within organizations, it leads to better decision making because it

defines the nature of the issue creating a framework for complex issues (Cronin, 2021). This

evidence leads to the conclusion that Scott is right, theories are important for practical

management and further development.

Conclusion

In the end, it is reasonable to accept the statement: ‘The best way to deal with problems is

through good practical theory’. Theories are necessary in every aspect of business whether it is

predicting events, making decisions or dealing with issues in a more methodical way. To claim,

therefore, that theories have no relevance in practice is simply to miss the opportunity of turning

complex ideas into well thought out implementable strategies that are based on some scientific

principle rather than mere guesses. Thus, nomore application of theory in practice equals no

more management development programs should apply in any management progression program

because there should be an integration and application of theory which needs to be considered as

an essential aspect of successful resolution to some particular issue..

References
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Cronin, M. A., Stouten, J., & Van Knippenberg, D. (2021). The theory crisis in
management research: Solving the right problem. Academy of Management
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Rowe, H. A. (2024). Problem solving and intelligence. Taylor & Francis.
Voskoglou, M. G. (2020). Modes Of Thinking In Problem Solving. Физико-
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