The Dark Side of Construct Convergence: Navigating Consensus, Evolution, and Practical Relevance in Theory Building

Abstract

As fields of study solidify, agreement forms among scholars on how to define and measure constructs that are foundational to theory building. We refer to this agreement process as construct convergence. While construct convergence is essential for theorizing, we suggest there may also be negative, be they unintended, consequences of construct convergence. In this paper, we explore this tension. We rely on an example from our work/family enrichment research, along with exemplars of other construct development paths, to identify the drivers of construct convergence and illustrate how construct convergence may inhibit construct evolution that integrates new theoretical perspectives and is attentive to shifting organizational and work realities. We conclude with a discussion of how scholars can better manage the tension between construct convergence and construction evolution so that we continue to build robust theory that remains connected to contemporary management practice.