01420nas a2200169   4500008004100000245007600041210006900117260000900186300001200195490000700207520094200214653001501156100001901171700001601190700001601206856002801222       2010                        eng d00aTheory Pruning: Strategies for Reducing our Dense Theoretical Landscape0 aTheory Pruning Strategies for Reducing our Dense Theoretical Lan  c2010  a644-6670 v133 aThe current article presents a systematic approach to theory pruning (defined here as hypothesis specification and study design intended to bound and reduce theory). First, we argue that research that limits theory is underrepresented in the organizational sciences, erring overwhelmingly on the side of confirmatory null hypothesis testing. Second, we propose criteria for determining comparability, deciding when it is appropriate to test theories or parts of theories against one another. Third, we suggest hypotheses or questions for testing competing theories. Finally, we revisit the spirit of ‘‘strong inference.’’ We present reductionist strategies appropriate for the organizational sciences, which extend beyond traditional approaches of ‘‘critical’’ comparisons between whole theories. We conclude with a discussion of strong inference in organizational science and how theory pruning can help in that pursuit.10aManagement1 aLeavitt, Keith1 aMitchell, T1 aPeterson, J  uhttp://orm.sagepub.com/