Articles that introduce a completely new construct
(or significantly reconceptualize an existing
one) have the potential to be even more novel. The
introduction of a new construct creates a radical
departure from existing work by generating a number
of new research directions that can shape future
thinking. New constructs also represent an original
and unique contribution on the part of authors, as
opposed to new relationships between concepts
already described, though not necessarily linked,
in past research. Of course, a critical issue with
such studies is whether the construct in question is
really new or whether it represents “old wine in
new bottles” (Spell, 2001). As in other areas of
science, there is an ebb and flow to the life cycle of
areas of inquiry in management, with previously
dormant ideas being recycled and repackaged as
new ones.