A Thought-Gear Model of Theorizing from Literature

The aim of this editorial is to provide a worm’s-eye view of the theorizing process, by which we mean a detailed explanation of the activities and phases involved in theory development based on literature. We develop and explain by example a model of theorizing for developing new theories. The model comprises theory genesis, four thought-gears—namely Informing Thoughts, Generating Thoughts, Materializing Thoughts, and Building Theory Elements from Thoughts—culminating in theory composition. While the theorizing model was developed based on our experience creating grand theory, we believe it can be applied to the development of other forms of theory.