Shirley classifies the structual of theory into five types: theory for analyzing, theory for explaining, theory for predicting, theory for explaining and predicting, and theory for design and action. Although there may be different types of theories, i am thinking how these different types of theories are derived through the well-designed process of theorizing.
There are various well-recognized theories in various disciplines (e.g. agency theory, actor-network theory, and institutional theory), whcih are used extensively used by researchers. However, it is possible to have a good 'anonymous theory' as long as it is well-theorized. One way to build a theory is to use well-recognized theories as basis and transform them to suit a specific context. Another way is to create a new theory where we have to link and bridge two or more constucts by developing a sensable process between constrcuts. Either way, a good theory 'makes a significant original contribution to knowledge'.
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