When
Where
Indigenous Theory Development: The Next Frontier in Contextualization
Abstract: Current contextualization scripts have pushed for a more central role for context in theory development. With increased contextualization, despite advances in our understanding of phenomena around the world through research in less widely represented areas, the lament of the lack of context in research has grown louder. This presentation will discuss a viewpoint that we need to move beyond contextualization approaches to embrace indigenous theory development that focuses on local ideologies, values, beliefs, and language. Venkatesh builds on his recent work on guidelines for contextualization to propose a set of guidelines for the development of indigenous theory.
Bio: Viswanath Venkatesh, who completed his PhD at the University of Minnesota, is an Eminent Scholar and Verizon Chair at Virginia Tech. From 2021 to 2024, he served as the Director of Pamplin’s Executive PhD program. His research focuses on understanding the diffusion of technologies in organizations and society. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential scientists, both in terms of premier journal publications and citation impact (e.g., Clarivate’s Highly Cited Researcher). His works have been cited over 235,000 times (Google Scholar) and over 80,000 times (Web of Science).