Conceptual issues in organizational communication research: Elements of a model of conceptual authenticity

Because concepts are the building blocks of theory, concerns for theoretical adequacy in organizational communication research blur a more fundamental concern for the authenticity of the concepts upon which organizational communication theory is based. Organizational communication scholars must strive to achieve greater conceptual authenticity in their efforts to construct theory of high integrity. After a discussion of the role of concepts in theory construction, definitions for the notions of authenticity and integrity are provided. Next, six criteria that may be used to assess conceptual authenticity are proposed. These criteria: 1) communication relatedness; 2) rigor; 3) uniqueness; 4) impact; 5) depth; and 6) relevance, represent elements of a criterion model for assessing the authenticity of new and current concepts in organizational communication theory and research.