Nothing Is More Practical than a Good Theory ... except possibly a Good Paradigm or Framework or Model or Metaphor

This research questions the frequently repeated, taken-for-granted aphorism that “there is nothing more practical than a good theory.” It seeks to demonstrate that there is no reason to believe that theory is more practical than good paradigms, frameworks, models, metaphors or good versions of other conceptual artifacts. It identifies different types of conceptual artifacts along with nine criteria for evaluating conceptual artifacts. It validates four premises related conceptual artifacts by examining different types of conceptual artifacts associated with work system theory (WST).