An Investigation of the Theory Practice Gap in Professional Sales
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Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
A1 Alkuperäisartikkeli tieteellisessä aikakauslehdessä
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Date
2017
Major/Subject
Mcode
Degree programme
Language
en
Pages
22
17-38
17-38
Series
JOURNAL OF MARKETING THEORY AND PRACTICE, Volume 25, issue 1
Abstract
This article considers the theory-practice gap in professional sales. Scholars note a discrepancy between scholarly knowledge and the practice of selling. We study three exemplar gaps using an extensive qualitative dataset, mainly in-depth interviews, in order to better understand why these gaps exist. Theory-practice gaps in listening, follow-up, and adaptability have not been empirically confirmed in light of rapid change in the sales field. After confirming these gaps, we explore antecedents, uncovering several underlying reasons for gap formation. We consider theoretical and managerial implications. In particular, we elaborate on the need for theory to be more relevant and contextualized.Description
Keywords
sales, theory-practice gap, grounded theory method
Other note
Citation
Pullins, E B, Timonen, H, Kaski, T & Holopainen, M 2017, ' An Investigation of the Theory Practice Gap in Professional Sales ', JOURNAL OF MARKETING THEORY AND PRACTICE, vol. 25, no. 1, pp. 17-38 . https://doi.org/10.1080/10696679.2016.1236665
