Theorizing with managers to bridge the theory-praxis gap

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to refine an agenda concerning the theory–praxis gap to develop a foundation for a research tradition. Design/methodology/approach The paper synthesizes and builds on the suggestions in commentary articles by Kohli (2017), Leeflang (2017) and Möller (2017). Findings The authors develop a research agenda consisting of the following issues: the need for a systemic view of business practice; the need for innovative and meaningful theoretical understanding; the need to identify conditions and approaches for collaborative theorizing; to further define and instruct the abductive approach; and to explore pragmatic realism to ensure both practical outcomes and truthful theories. Originality/value These five issues are a step towards developing a theory–praxis research tradition.